David Weldon: “the ``Social Security Benefits Tax Relief Act of 2000'' (H.R. 4865) repeals the tax on Social Security benefits created…”

“the ``Social Security Benefits Tax Relief Act of 2000'' (H.R. 4865) repeals the tax on Social Security benefits created in the 1993 Clinton-Gore budget plan. This tax costs more than 8 million seniors an average of $1,180 a year. In 1993, Vice-President Gore cast the Senate tie-breaking vote to join with the Democrat-led House that imposed this tax on Social Security. I believe seniors should be able to keep their hundred bucks a month instead of having to send it to Washington. It's time to repeal the tax on Social Security to let Florida's seniors keep more of the benefits they earned. In an era of budget surpluses, it's wrong to punish seniors with a tax that's outlived its purpose. Social Security checks shouldn't arrive in the mailbox with a bill from the IRS attached. I am committed to improving the lives of Florida's seniors. Earlier this year, I voted to eliminate the Social Security earnings limit and in favor of a prescription drug benefit. These were done in addition to ending the 40-year Democrat raid on the Social Security trust fund. I am deeply disturbed that the President refuses to help America's seniors and is indicating that he will veto this tax equity bill for our senior citizens.”