Dave Camp: “Mr. Speaker, the so-called Tax Relief Act before us today gives us little to celebrate. In addition to the normal…”

“Mr. Speaker, the so-called Tax Relief Act before us today gives us little to celebrate. In addition to the normal extension of Republican tax cuts, this bill includes an unprecedented amount of Democrat tax increases on the American public. Worse yet, this bill permanently raises taxes to the tune of $70 billion, all to collect taxes the Federal Government was never intended to get. Let me repeat that point: this bill raises taxes to generate revenues the Federal Government was never intended to get. The differences between our parties couldn't be clearer than on this bill. Republicans cut taxes while Democrats raise taxes. Facts are facts; and with this bill, the majority is permanently increasing taxes on Americans and setting the stage for the largest tax increase in history. I support extending tax provisions like the R & D tax credit, the teacher tax deduction for classroom supplies, and incentives for conservation easements. After all, those are bills I have long supported. I also support shielding over 20 million middle-income Americans from the alternative minimum tax, better described as the mandatory minimum tax. But this is simply the wrong way to do it. Fortunately, the Senate knows and the President knows that. This bill will not pass the Senate and the President will not sign it. I hope my friends on both sides of the aisle will realize this bill is a flawed bill and should be rejected.”