[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 20174]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HURRICANE KATRINA ACCELERATED TAX BENEFITS ACT

  (Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, as we consider tax incentives for 
businesses that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina and help them 
get up and running, we must also help the affected families get up and 
running. Both are essential endeavors.
  Americans have lost their homes and incomes through no fault of their 
own.
  In the coming days, I will introduce the Hurricane Katrina 
Accelerated Tax Benefits Act. This bill will fast-track the Earned 
Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and educational incentives 
such as the Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits to the people in the 
Gulf Coast, providing these hard-working Americans with much-needed 
resources. It will stimulate the economy and help rebuild the lives of 
affected Americans.
  These Americans who have lost so much should receive their tax 
refunds now. They have worked for it, and they have earned it.
  There is a precedent for fast-tracking tax refunds during times of 
crisis. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Congress 
passed legislation to fast-track the Child Tax Credit refunds.
  Mr. Speaker, we cannot undo the damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina, 
but we can begin to restore lives. By taking these steps, we can 
quickly deliver the funds to these families who have worked hard and 
paid taxes.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in advancing this important 
legislation.

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