Jerry Nadler: “I rise to oppose this rule on the Tax Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act, H.R. 1215. The Contract With America states…”

“I rise to oppose this rule on the Tax Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act, H.R. 1215. The Contract With America states that ``within the first 100 days of the 104th Congress, we shall bring to the House Floor the following bills, each to be given full and open debate, each to be given a clear and fair vote and each to be immediately available this day for public inspection and scrutiny.'' With a closed rule on the tax bill, the Republicans have not provided, as they said they would, for a ``full and open debate'' on this crucial legislation. I would agree that many Americans need tax relief, and that we must do all that we can to ensure fairness for our seniors and families. That is why I offered two amendments to this legislation which would have furthered these very important goals. But, unfortunately, ``full and open debate'' on these amendments was denied, and the Members of this House will not have the opportunity to vote on these amendments.”