[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE SMALL BUSINESS TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                           HON. STEVAN PEARCE

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 16, 2007

  Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, today the Democratic leadership has brought 
to the House floor legislation that will effectively create permanent 
tax increases on many American taxpayers in order to create temporary 
tax relief for a few.
  Though this legislation does not mention a minimum wage increase, we 
all know this bill is intended to be paired with Senate legislation 
including a wage hike. While I am pleased that the Majority has finally 
listened to the Republicans and recognized the detrimental impact a 
minimum wage increase would have on small businesses, this legislation 
is nothing but an example of the Majority's plans to deceptively 
increase taxes on Americans.
  In the last Congress I voted for a balanced minimum wage bill that 
increased the wage rate from $5.15 to $7.25/hour over three years and 
included important tax and regulatory protections for small businesses 
and their workers, ensuring they are not over-burdened by high labor 
costs and can stay in business.
  However, I believe it is unfair to create permanent tax increases for 
the sake of temporary tax relief. This is a perfect example, and I 
predict many more are to come, of the Democrats using covert tax 
increase maneuvers to adhere to their misguided PAYGO rules.
  The Majority has forced this legislation to the House floor under the 
suspension of the rules, cutting off debate time and forbidding any 
amendments to the legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I can not in good conscience support this bill because 
of the misleading, permanent tax increases it places on many Americans.

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