Porter Goss: “That is good, We are making progress. Mr. Chairman, I think there are a couple of things that need to be clarified. The…”

“That is good, We are making progress. Mr. Chairman, I think there are a couple of things that need to be clarified. The last time I heard about a change in the tax rate it seems to me there was a special top rate including a surtax of up to 39.6 percent for the people at the top end of the scale, and actually those cuts that I believe the gentlewoman was referring to back in 1981 for the rich were cuts for every American who were paying taxes. But I am glad that she has brought that up on Reagan's birthday, because I think the idea of trying to get spending under control and reduce taxation is something President Reagan stood for. With regard to the amendment itself particularly, I am a little concerned that we have a very vague definition here, ``income earners.'' Now, that would presumably excuse coupon clippers from this, or people from rents, royalties and other types of income, perhaps pensions, that are not earned income under that definition. I am not sure where stock options or other things like that would come in. Certainly when you start talking about large corporations under the definition that is being used in H.R. 2, I would point out that large corporations pay an awful lot of wages to blue collar workers who depend on those to keep food on the table and shelter over their head. So I think maybe it has been mischaracterized a little bit for what it would do, and I would, therefore, be opposed to it. But I am glad the gentlewoman has an interest in this subject.”