Doug Bereuter: “this Member rise today in support of H.R. 1836, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001, a bold and fair tax…”

“this Member rise today in support of H.R. 1836, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001, a bold and fair tax relief plan that will reduce the inequities of the current tax code and help ensure that America remains prosperous. This measure will reduce taxes for everyone who pays income taxes, and it will encourage enterprise by lowering marginal tax rates. This Member strongly believes that some considerable portions of the Federal budget surplus should be returned to the American taxpayer, especially to middle income Americans. And, this Member also believes it is symbolically and financially important to use part of the surplus to at least make significant reductions in the national debt. Therefore, this Member is pleased to support the President's common sense plan that funds our nation's top priorities, pays down our national debt and gives tax relief to every taxpayer. Over-charged taxpayers deserve some of their own money back. It is interesting to note that in the first four months of fiscal year 2001, the surplus generated $74 billion. Clearly, the American people are being taxed too much. In fact, Federal taxes are at the highest peacetime rate in history. Americans currently pay more in taxes than they spend on food, clothing and housing combined. This year, it will take most Americans more than four months of paychecks to pay their tax burden.”