[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H2563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NEED RELIEF

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, in these final hours of this year's 
tax season, Americans are finishing up their tax returns. For a 
majority of these taxpayers, it's painfully clear that our Nation's tax 
system is deeply flawed and in need of significant reform.
  American workers are asked to work for 3 full months to fulfill their 
yearly Federal, State, and local tax obligations. This is unacceptable. 
To require already stressed family budgets to forfeit at least a 
quarter of their income to prop up expanding bureaucracy and increasing 
Federal employment is just wrong.
  We are taught at a young age to work hard and that we will reap the 
benefits of hard work. Americans have witnessed that government is 
claiming more and more of those hard-earned benefits from the fruits of 
our labors.
  Instead of searching for a way to provide relief to American 
households, some officials within the administration have proposed new 
taxes that will further burden small businesses and consumers. The 
European-style value-added tax would levy a tax at each stage of 
manufacturing, thereby increasing the cost of the finished product. 
This is damaging not only to the consumer, but also to many industries 
involved in manufacturing production.
  I'm a member of the Anti-VAT Caucus. I recognize the dangers of 
imposing this new tax upon the American economy, and I've joined over a 
dozen of my colleagues in working to educate Members of Congress on the 
problems posed by establishing a whole new series of taxes.
  Instead of adding new taxes, Congress should be focused on reforming 
the current tax structure. I've called upon the new chairman of the 
House Ways and Means Committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
Levin), to schedule hearings on Tax Code simplification. The FairTax 
proposal was one of those ideas that I've asked his committee to 
consider. The FairTax can start the conversation on tax reform, and I 
encourage my colleagues who are serious about having this discussion to 
join me in contacting the chairman.
  People across the country are demanding that Congress listen to their 
concerns and find a more equitable and less burdensome way of paying 
taxes. I share their frustration and have called upon my colleagues in 
Congress to put the politics aside and provide tax relief and reform 
for this country.
  Americans have made it known that they are in need of serious tax 
reform. Through increased spending and budget deficits, Congress has 
awakened an American majority dedicated to government reform. Members 
of Congress have an obligation to be responsive to our people's needs. 
As the American people gather this week to make their voices heard, 
Congress must listen. These gatherings are occurring all over our 
country and here on Capitol Hill.
  In my home State of Kansas, these engaged citizens will be meeting in 
Mound City this evening; Kansas City, Hutchinson, Salina, Manhattan, 
Wamego, and Wichita tomorrow; and Ottawa and Emporia will have meetings 
on Saturday. While these gatherings are occurring, millions of other 
Americans unable to attend will join in spirit to protest the expansion 
of government in our daily lives.
  As we approach the end of tax season, Congress must remember the 
sacrifices made by each American household. While this is the end of 
tax season, the rest of the year should be deemed the season of tax 
reform. The American people need relief, and Congress should respond. 
Jobs today and the health of the U.S. economy tomorrow demand our 
action.

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