Kendra S. Horn: “Mr. Speaker, the Government costs--and the Government taxes that back up those costs--are spotlighted by July 3d as Cost…”

“Mr. Speaker, the Government costs--and the Government taxes that back up those costs--are spotlighted by July 3d as Cost of Government Day. These costs and taxes are siphoning money away from family resources. They are robbing millions of our citizens and those who want to be citizens of achieving the American dream. The 104th Congress is working to give higher incomes and lower taxes to all Americans. We have eliminated more than 200 unnecessary Federal programs and agencies. We have downsized the Washington bureaucracy as well as the congressional bureaucracy. We have moved government funds and programs to the States, and hopefully they will be even further decentralized to the communities and counties where real life occurs and real government occurs. Members of the 104th Congress approved a balanced budget plan, but it was vetoed by President Clinton. We tried to provide tax relief to the middle class through a $500 per child tax credit, but it was vetoed by President Clinton. We tried to provide marriage penalty relief and estate tax relief. We did get relief for seniors by phasing out the Social Security earnings limitation from which they have long suffered. We have tried to provide a deduction for families caring for elderly parents, an adoption tax credit, long-term care insurance tax reforms. Again, the President used his veto. He likes big government.”