    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 39 (Monday, September 27, 2004)]
    [Page 2125]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Congressional Passage of Legislation To Extend Tax Relief

    September 23, 2004

        The tax relief I worked with Congress to pass is putting more money
    into the hands of the American people and helping to grow our economy.
    As the economy strengthens, the last thing hard-working American
    families need is a tax increase. I commend the Members of Congress for
    acting to extend marriage penalty relief, the $1,000 child tax credit,
    and the broader 10-percent individual tax rate--which would otherwise
    expire this year and raise taxes on nearly 94 million Americans. This
    legislation will give families and small businesses added certainty and
    keep us on the path to greater prosperity, and it brings us one step
    closer to making the tax relief permanent.