[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 169 (Saturday, December 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TAX RELIEF, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE REAUTHORIZATION, AND JOB CREATION 
                              ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 16, 2010

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4853) to 
     amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding 
     and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust 
     Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend 
     authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for 
     other purposses:

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chair, last night, I voted against a fiscally 
irresponsible $858 billion tax cut package. Every penny of this budget-
busting bill will be borrowed--much of it from China--and the burden 
placed on the backs of our children and grandchildren.
  To keep the economic recovery on track and meet the needs of 
struggling American families, I do support extending middle class tax 
cuts and unemployment insurance. But Republicans in Congress held these 
priorities hostage until millionaires and billionaires were guaranteed 
tax cuts that they don't need. Tax breaks for the wealthy are a luxury 
Americans can't afford. This is simply wrong. With unemployment nearly 
at 10 percent, Members of Congress should be focused on getting all of 
America back to work, not padding the trust funds for a precious few.
  The tax package the House voted on last night was even worse than the 
one negotiated by the President and Republicans in Congress. The Senate 
got into the holiday spirit and sent the House a Christmas tree bill 
loaded down with special interest ``sweeteners.'' Why will NASCAR 
owners open their stockings this year to find a $40 million tax break 
from the American people? Why are Hollywood producers getting a $162 
million in special breaks paid for by the American people? Why do rum 
makers in Puerto Rico get $235 million? Middle class Americans 
shouldn't be forced to use the nation's credit card so the special 
interests receive everything on their wish lists.
  America needs honest and responsible policymaking. The federal budget 
is in crisis and tough decisions are necessary. This tax cut package 
makes no tough decisions. Instead, kicks the hard choices down the road 
and makes solving America's fiscal crisis much harder.