Cliff Stearns: “this week we again come to view one of the things Americans dread most, that is, tax day. It is a dreaded and feared…”

“this week we again come to view one of the things Americans dread most, that is, tax day. It is a dreaded and feared day, a day on which taxpayers all across the country are concentrating and reflecting on America's frustrating and complex system of taxation. We in Congress should take time ourselves to reflect on our Nation's Tax Code and the problems it imposes upon the taxpayers of this country. April 15 serves as a stark reminder that my constituents, and, in fact, all Americans, have paid entirely too much in Federal taxes, more than food, clothing and shelter combined. The Federal tax burden is the highest since World War II. Also Americans are paying taxes at the same time they are trying to pay off personal debt. Yes, we seem to forget that Americans have a debt to pay down as well. They have mortgages, auto loans, credit card debt, and school loans. We have stated time and time again that Americans deserve tax relief; and with the assistance of President Bush, we have given them just that relief. We passed the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, providing the economy a much-needed boost with the rebate check provided to all American taxpayers. In addition, the bill decreases the marginal tax rate, reduces the marriage penalty, and eliminates the death tax. It increases the child adoption credits and the child tax credit. We also passed the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act, providing for additional tax decreases.”