[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 4662]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        REFLECTING ON TAX DAY, 
                                APRIL 15

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, this week we again come to view one of the 
things Americans dread most, that is, tax day. It is a dreaded and 
feared day, a day on which taxpayers all across the country are 
concentrating and reflecting on America's frustrating and complex 
system of taxation.
  We in Congress should take time ourselves to reflect on our Nation's 
Tax Code and the problems it imposes upon the taxpayers of this 
country. April 15 serves as a stark reminder that my constituents, and, 
in fact, all Americans, have paid entirely too much in Federal taxes, 
more than food, clothing and shelter combined. The Federal tax burden 
is the highest since World War II.
  Also Americans are paying taxes at the same time they are trying to 
pay off personal debt. Yes, we seem to forget that Americans have a 
debt to pay down as well. They have mortgages, auto loans, credit card 
debt, and school loans.
  We have stated time and time again that Americans deserve tax relief; 
and with the assistance of President Bush, we have given them just that 
relief. We passed the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act 
of 2001, providing the economy a much-needed boost with the rebate 
check provided to all American taxpayers. In addition, the bill 
decreases the marginal tax rate, reduces the marriage penalty, and 
eliminates the death tax. It increases the child adoption credits and 
the child tax credit. We also passed the Job Creation and Worker 
Assistance Act, providing for additional tax decreases.
  As a result of our efforts, Mr. Speaker, according to the Tax 
Foundation, the average taxpayer will work 2 days less this year to pay 
off their total tax bill. The so-called Tax Freedom Day, April 27, 
represents an identifiable mark for Americans to gauge their total tax 
burden. This serves as an example that we have made great strides 
reducing the Federal income tax burden on all American taxpayers.
  However, there remains much to be done. The Federal tax burden 
continues to make up two-thirds of the total tax burden. Individual 
income taxes and payroll taxes are the primary culprits. We also face, 
Mr. Speaker, hidden taxes such as sales and excise tax on beverages. In 
fact, we are still paying a Federal telephone tax instituted during the 
Spanish-American War.
  In addition, the taxpayer faces State and local taxes, which include 
property taxes, sales taxes and additional income taxes in most States. 
Wherever one turns, he can expect to pay a tax on something.
  Finally, the taxpayer faces a cost of complying with our Tax Code. 
According to the Tax Foundation, in 2002 individuals, businesses, and 
nonprofit organizations will spend an estimated 5.8 billion hours 
complying with the Federal income tax code with an estimated compliance 
cost of over $194 billion. This amounts to imposing a 20.4 cent tax 
compliance surcharge for every dollar the income tax system collects.
  We have kept our promise, Mr. Speaker, in working with the President 
to give Americans the tax relief they need. Later this week we will 
have the opportunity to make that relief permanent. The Economic Growth 
and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 unfortunately contained 
sunset provisions which would end the tax relief after 10 years. We 
will have the opportunity to correct this oversight and give Americans 
permanent tax relief.
  In conclusion, in this country there are seven traits that really 
define who we are as Americans, cultural traits. One of those traits is 
we like reform. We are willing to change things. We are just not 
satisfied with the status quo in this country. We are always trying to 
improve.
  Mr. Speaker, we are making progress. Let us continue to work harder 
and do more for the American taxpayers of this country.

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