Robert Torricelli: “at some point, the division of this Senate on the issue of a tax reduction proposal must end. We must find some moment…”

“at some point, the division of this Senate on the issue of a tax reduction proposal must end. We must find some moment where there is a bipartisan approach that both protects our resources to deal with education and health care initiatives, but also has meaningful tax reduction. This can be that moment. I join with Senator Breaux because I believe we have found a reasonable compromise that is bipartisan--a $1.25 trillion tax reduction that lowers rates, offers real relief to middle-income families, but also protects enough resources to deal with our education, prescription drugs, and other family needs. We have been told in recent months that there is a false choice. We can either deal with these problems or we can provide tax relief, but most assuredly we cannot do both. With this proposal, we achieve both by doing each modestly. I have in the past indicated my belief that I could support a $1.6 trillion tax reduction as proposed by President Bush. Indeed, if required to do so, at some point I might vote for it, but surely this is the better path--not a tax reduction of 51 votes, no Vice President breaking a tie to decide upon a major national initiative that will decide the basic fiscal parameters of this Government for the next decade. This, a bipartisan plan that is affordable, protects the surplus and allows for a variety of other initiatives.”