Harry Reid: “I rise to introduce the Working Meals Fairness Act for myself and Senator Bryan, which provides for the exemption of…”

“I rise to introduce the Working Meals Fairness Act for myself and Senator Bryan, which provides for the exemption of meals from consideration as taxable income when provided as a benefit to employees of the service sector. Mr. President, during the past few days the Finance Committee has conducted hearings in which victims of IRS injustice have provided poignant testimony of their experiences at the hands of overzealous IRS agents. Their testimony has made us all aware that the time has come to overhaul the manner in which the IRS deals with the honest law-abiding citizens of this country. This overhaul will require a fundamental restructuring of the IRS customer service organization and a fresh look at what constitutes fairness. Mr. President, as part of this fresh look, I am joining Senator Bryan today in introducing legislation to remedy an unquestionably unfair tax policy resulting from a recent tax court decision. It was a decision in support of the IRS' position which is going to have widespread effect on the working men and women who are employed by our hotels, restaurants and resorts.”