Herb Kohl: “I rise today to introduce legislation to repeal an unintended tax on hardworking, middle-income Americans-- truckers…”

“I rise today to introduce legislation to repeal an unintended tax on hardworking, middle-income Americans-- truckers, long-haul bus drivers, train conductors, and other people regulated by the Department of Transportation. As my colleagues know, last year's budget lowered the deductible portion of business meals and entertainment expenses from 80 percent to 50 percent. This was intended to raise money primarily from those people who spend their lunchtimes in luxury restaurants and their nighttimes on luxury yachts. But, contrary to popular belief, the business meal deduction is not only used by lobbyists and fat cats for three-martini lunches. Due to the length of trips, and regulations limiting travel hours, many middle-income transportation workers must act out. Madam President, the bill I am introducing today repeals the unintended tax created last year, by restoring the business meal deduction to 80 percent for truckers, long-haul bus drivers, train conductors, and others regulated by the Department of Transportation. This legislation is simple, straightforward, and most importantly, fair.”