WALLY HERGER: “I rise in support of H.R. 3, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001. This legislation will provide real tax…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001. This legislation will provide real tax relief for American families at a time when it is urgently needed. Simply put, Americans are overtaxed considering that Americans today face a higher tax burden than they have at any other time since World War II. In fact, on average families today pay more in taxes than they spend on food, clothing and shelter combined. Once fully phased in, President Bush's plan will enable the typical family of four to keep at least $1,600 more of their own money. This is real help for families trying to make ends meet. $1,600 will pay the average mortgage for almost 2 months. This relief will pay for a year's tuition at a community college or the cost of gasoline for two cars for a year. In my home State of California, families will be able to use their tax refund to help cope with our State's high energy costs. Let us be clear. If we leave the tax surplus in Washington, it will be spent on bigger government. Americans have been overcharged, and it is time to give them their refund. The legislation before us is a critical first step in this process. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”