Robert Torricelli: “I express my thanks to Senator Daschle, Senator Lott, Senator Baucus, Senator Grassley, Senator Nickles, and so many…”

“I express my thanks to Senator Daschle, Senator Lott, Senator Baucus, Senator Grassley, Senator Nickles, and so many Members of the Senate who made this possible. I know during this Christmas season that the plight and distress of the families of those who lost their lives in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be in all of our thoughts. That really is not enough. Charities have raised an enormous amount of money, but it has not gotten to the victims' families. There is a victims' fund this Government has raised, but it has not yet gotten to these victims' families. This tax relief offers real and immediate benefits. It has the promise that as American citizens give funds to charities, the funds from those charities will not in turn be taxed as they get to the widows, the parents, or other relatives. It holds the promise that there will be a refund given to many of these families. Offering financial relief is little solace given such enormous pain, but it is of some help. Families who have buried their loved ones are also paying mortgages, tuition, and buying groceries. This is real help. I am grateful to the Members of the Senate who have helped pass this legislation. I am grateful to Chairman Thomas of the House Ways and Means Committee who has been with us as an architect in its passage. I express on behalf of all the families for whom this means so much in this holiday season their gratitude to all of you who have made this possible.”