Tom Lantos: “the legislation which we are considering today has little to do with helping struggling married couples and a great deal…”

“the legislation which we are considering today has little to do with helping struggling married couples and a great deal to do with politics. For years now, we have been subjected to partisan calls to deal with the so-called ``marriage tax penalty.'' We have heard stories about couples who have considered divorce, or even been divorced, because they had a tax burden that was so inequitable. I don't know about my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, but most people that I know do not make the decision whether to enter into--or not enter into--marriage vows simply because of the tax implications of marriage. Matrimony has many consequences, but tax consequences are probably not the major concern. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, there has been very little cool thoughtful consideration of the policies that we are considering here today. It is abundantly clear that the version of the legislation supported by our colleagues on the other side of aisle has much to do with an agenda to benefit the wealthy and little to do with making our tax system fairer for married couples.”