Gerald Kleczka: “let me start out by indicating not only my strong support for the legislation, but also my pleasure in working with the…”

“let me start out by indicating not only my strong support for the legislation, but also my pleasure in working with the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Archer]. Not only is the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Archer] very knowledgeable about the Tax Code, but in his dealings not only with myself but other Members, he always was very, very fair. He uses a saying in the committee, it is called rifle shot. He does not want any rifle shots as it relates to tax policy. I cannot agree with the chairman more. I think if we are going to put in the tax bill relief or fairness or help to a group, it should be a broad group, not one specific corporation, not one group of individuals but it should be a broad array of individuals. This bill, I believe, reflects that. I also want to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Rangel], who kept us all honest, especially the Republican majority not only in items as it dealt with the education portion but also with the EITC and other areas that are so important to his constituents, my constituents, and all our constituents. The first time the bill came before this body, I could not vote for it. There was a very onerous position included in it, the independent contractors section, which would have the effect of reclassifying hundreds of thousands of current employees who get benefits such as unemployment compensation and workmen's compensation. They would be denied these by reclassifying them.”