Susan Collins: “Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 144,000 married people in the Third District of Georgia, I am very pleased that we are finally…”

“Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 144,000 married people in the Third District of Georgia, I am very pleased that we are finally coming to a conclusion on this bill. I am also very pleased that the conference members decided to make the effective date this taxable year so that we can give immediate relief, rather than waiting for the next taxable year, because families needs need to be met. The more that we take from that family budget through taxation, the less they have to meet those needs. Also, there are many families who would like, as the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) said, put funds away for future years for family needs. There has been a lot said about, ``Is this fair?'' Mr. Speaker, is it fair to give the same deductions, the same standard deduction, to every eligible taxpayer in this country? I think so. Is it fair to increase the 15 percent bracket for every eligible taxpayer in this country? I say yes. Is it fair to ensure that those who have the opportunity can take advantage of the tax credits that this Congress has passed and the President has signed earlier, such as the child tax credit or the tuition tax credit? When it comes to the alternative minimum tax that they still will be eligible for, I say yes. Is it fair to expand the area of income for the EITC? Yes. What makes it fair, Mr. Speaker?…”