On the recordMarch 13, 2012
I wish to raise my concerns about the Roberts amendment. This amendment is a disappointing attempt to play politics with what should be a bipartisan issue: extending the State and local sales tax deduction and other key tax policies. We need to move forward on a serious bipartisan proposal to extend the State sales tax deduction. It is a matter of tax fairness for Washington residents. But we cannot afford to threaten Washington's coastal economy by opening the West Coast and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling. Therefore, I will not support the Roberts Amendment and I look forward to serious legislation to extend the State sales tax deduction. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.
