Herb Kohl: “they say that timing is everything. And the timing of the Congress's actions these days is indicative of our priorities.…”

“they say that timing is everything. And the timing of the Congress's actions these days is indicative of our priorities. Yesterday, the House rightly voted against the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education appropriations bill that under funded job training, education and health care. Last night, the House voted to pass a reconciliation spending package that would cut programs such as child support, food stamps, and Medicaid. Also last night, the Senate passed $60 billion worth of tax cuts. What does that say to hard working Americans about the priorities of this Government? I want to make it clear to my colleagues that I support many of the provisions that are included in this legislation. I support tax provisions aimed at helping Gulf States recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I support extending the tuition deduction, the research and development tax credit, and a deduction for teacher expenses, among others. And I strongly support the extension of the increased exemption amounts for the alternative minimum tax. In fact, I would support much broader reform of the AMT. More and more middle class individuals and families will find themselves impacted by this onerous tax if Congress does not act soon to correct it. I would also support some capital gains and dividend rate reform. I want to make it clear to my constituents that I am not opposed to tax cuts--when the time is right--when we are in surplus.…”