Jason Smith: “I rise in support of H.R. 2347, the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2347, the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Gwen Moore. Survivors of sexual assault face a long road to recovery without having to battle with the IRS over keeping the compensatory damages or settlements that they receive. Unfortunately, right now, the burden of proof that a sexual assault survivor would have to provide to the IRS, including medical records to prove that they deserve to have their settlement funds excluded from gross income for tax purposes, ignores the fact that such victims often do not have the same observable physical injuries that other victims of assault might have. Mr. Speaker, this clarification in law is desperately needed. I thank Representatives Smucker and Moore for the true compassion they have shown in fighting to right this wrong for victims of sexual assault.”