[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 2830]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 END THE TAX ON U.S. OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS

  (Mr. MESSER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. MESSER. Madam Speaker, there is almost nothing Uncle Sam won't 
tax. You get hit at the grocery store, the gas pump, and your paycheck. 
You even get taxed when you die.
  Now, as the eyes of the world are on Sochi, Uncle Sam's eyes are on 
yet another way to collect: U.S. Olympians.
  Believe it or not, our men and women who bring home the gold, silver, 
or bronze are taxed on the value of the medals they earn and their 
minimal winnings while representing our country on the world stage. 
That is not okay.
  Competing on the U.S. Olympic team is an achievement that should be 
celebrated, not taxed. That is why I have cosponsored the Tax 
Exemptions for American Medalists Act. It prevents Olympic athletes 
from paying taxes on their winnings. Our Federal Government shouldn't 
penalize them for performing at their best.
  We need broad-based tax reform. In the meantime, I encourage my 
colleagues to support the TEAM Act and end this undue tax on our 
Olympians.

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