Alcee Hastings: “I am in opposition to the closed rule for the so-called Back to School Tax Relief Act. As soon as I hear that the…”

“I am in opposition to the closed rule for the so-called Back to School Tax Relief Act. As soon as I hear that the teachers in my district, along with teachers and parents throughout the country, are voicing strong opposition to an education bill, that bill gets my full attention. The teachers of America have good reason, as do parents, to be wary of this particular measure. Under the pretense of offering tax benefits to low-income families, this charade, I repeat, charade, and footnote right there, this is not going to become the law this year, and if it is, that my colleagues on the other side are setting the stage for something that is going to pass at some point in the future, then say that; but do not give the impression here on this floor that this measure is about to become the law. It is not going anywhere. As matters go, this tax relief bill could cost the American taxpayer close to $5 billion over the next 5 years.”