Gerald Kleczka: “this is probably the most shameless tax bill that I have seen come before the House since I have been a Member of…”

“this is probably the most shameless tax bill that I have seen come before the House since I have been a Member of Congress. Today we are asked to vote for this $99 billion tax giveaway in an effort to stimulate the economy under the flag of patriotism and, in the words of the chairman of the committee, so our country remains free. That is a quote from his presentation before the Committee on Ways and Means. I will indicate that there are some portions of the bill that will stimulate the economy, the additional rebate checks, the depreciation schedule changes that will encourage businesses to invest, but these are short term. These are sunsetted. My major concern is with three major portions of the bill. I think the Washington Post was correct when in a recent editorial they termed this a stimulus charade. Mr. Speaker, this is a charade. They go on to say that the only thing that is going to be stimulated is campaign contributions to those who support this product.”