John Bel Edwards: “it is outrageous, it is unbelievable, but it is true. The House Republican leadership has kept at the Speaker's desk…”

“it is outrageous, it is unbelievable, but it is true. The House Republican leadership has kept at the Speaker's desk, since March of this year, the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Bill. Several months ago, they said we could afford to give a $230,000 tax break to American citizens living safely here at home making $1 million in dividend income; yet the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert) say we cannot afford to provide modest tax help to brave service men and women, many of whom are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Yesterday, the leadership said we had time to rename three post offices around the country; yet we have not had the time to consider the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act. Why? Because it is paid for by closing the Benedict Arnold loophole that lets American citizens renounce their citizenship to keep from paying taxes. It is shameful the Republican leadership seems to be more interested in protecting Benedict Arnolds than in helping our service men and women.”