Consumers and merchants alike need real, targeted tax relief. A sales tax holiday would be an ideal way to inject money into the economy. In the past, sales tax holidays have brought out crowds of shoppers in the states that have used them.

I have signed on as a cosponsor to H.R. 3172, the National Sales Tax Holiday Act. Under this bill, the federal government would reimburse states for the revenue lost by suspending sales taxes for 10 days during the holiday season beginning November 23rd. This would cost the government about $6.5 billion. In some states consumers could save as much as $1,000 on a new car.

We've discussed a wide range of economic incentives and initiatives in Congress, but this is probably the most effective and most direct way to spark our economy. Giving shoppers a break on their purchases will help the economy recover and strengthen our nation at home and abroad.