Political Quotes

“I oppose H.R. 8, the third installment of President Bush's fiscally questionable tax package. For nearly a month, this body has discussed and voted on bills that provide tax relief to people least in need while ignoring our Nation's serious needs for education, health care, and the environment and, most important, the fiscal prudence, paying down the debt and meeting our existing responsibilities. Virtually every Member of Congress agrees that the current estate tax needs to be reformed. I have supported increases in exemptions, adjustment for inflation, reduction in rate and protections for closely held family farms and small businesses which are only 9 percent of the total inheritance tax program. I fundamentally believe that reforming the estate tax will allow for more farmland, wood lots and green spaces to be preserved and small business to be protected. Estate tax reform is an essential part of making our communities more livable. That being said, it is frustrating that despite near unanimity on this issue, my Republican colleagues insist on legislation that provides vast benefits for people who need it the least while stalling on relief for people who need help now, not 10 or 11 years from now but now. The legislation we are debating today costs $662 billion. That is why the repeal does not take place until 2011.”