WALLY HERGER: “Mr. Speaker, when a couple stands at the alter and says ``I do,'' they are not agreeing to higher taxes. On tax day…”

“Mr. Speaker, when a couple stands at the alter and says ``I do,'' they are not agreeing to higher taxes. On tax day, April 15, 25 million American couples, including 47,000 within my own district in northern California, will pay up to $1,400 more in taxes than they would if they were single. That is wrong, it is anti-marriage, and 85 percent of Americans say it should be fixed. What does $1,400 mean for married couples? Those couples could use that extra money for 4 months of a car payment, a year's worth of diapers, a computer for their children, or even a donation to their favorite charity. The IRS should not be allowed to continue taking this tax overpayment, instead of giving it back to its rightful owners, hard-working American families. No one should be opposing this. It is an issue that transcends party politics. I urge Members from across the aisle and the President to work with us to make marriage penalty relief a reality for families this year.”