Kevin Brady: “Mr. Speaker, Washington, as most Americans know, is simply not the real world. Here in Washington, budget increases are…”

“Mr. Speaker, Washington, as most Americans know, is simply not the real world. Here in Washington, budget increases are called cuts, $900 toilet seats are considered a bargain and, under this proposal, those who do not pay Federal income taxes will receive Federal income tax relief. That just does not make sense. The House this afternoon agreed, defeating this motion 220 to 206, yet we are back at this discussion again, unfortunately, for partisan political purposes. Republicans in this House and across the country care very much about children. We care very much about families. But we think it is important to note that the Democrat motion to instruct, the one we are talking about tonight, would reduce the child tax credit for millions of children in America. The Democrat motion to instruct allows the child credit to drop from $1,000 to $700 after the 2004 election. As a result, millions of low- and middle-income families will receive a smaller child tax credit right after the elections. Now, that sounds like Washington: Promise tax relief, then take it back after the election. Well, not in this House. Because the Republican House-passed bill ensures the child tax credit remains at the $1,000 level throughout the decade, which is going to make it easier for families with children to make ends meet.”