Eva M. Clayton: “I rise today in support of estate tax relief for farmers and working Americans. I come from a rural district where a…”

“I rise today in support of estate tax relief for farmers and working Americans. I come from a rural district where a great many of my constituents make their livelihoods from farming. On paper, they look wealthy. In reality, they may not have $50 in their pocket or $1,000 in the bank. It is time for Congress to fix the estate tax so that it doesn't affect the livelihoods of these hardworking people. However, while the estate tax should not affect farmers and small businesspeople, it must be considered within the context of a larger tax debate. Only the larger debate can answer the question of basic fairness. I want to see farmers, small business people, and working Americans treated fairly. That is why I will vote for the Democratic alternative. The Democratic alternative provides estate tax relief for those who need it, and sooner. It also exempts 99 percent of farms. The alternative allows for fiscal prudence and recognizes that America has other pressing needs. Fairness means providing sensible tax relief for working Americans. Fairness means giving our Nation's farmers the same support that they have given to us. Because I seek fairness, I must continue to question the entire package of tax plans that the majority has sent to the floor. Taken as a whole the package is unfair, regressive, and unwise. Let us consider tax relief guided by the principle of fairness, rather than by no principles at all.”