Tax relief is very important to improving America's current economic outlook. In an era of tax surpluses, the government has plenty of resources to provide needed government services while giving overtaxed Americans the break that they deserve.

Congress has the annual responsibility to set a budget framework for the federal government. Last year, Congress adopted a budget that includes tax relief and provides a framework for this year and the next ten years.

With the comprehensive outline for 2001 already in place, the House passed H.R. 3, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act, H.R. 6, The Marriage Tax Elimination Act and H.R. 8, The Death Tax Elimination Act. I strongly supported these bills, and was a co-sponsor of both the marriage penalty and death tax elimination bills. These bills will make the tax relief that Congress planned for a reality.

By working through the budget framework and restraining wasteful spending, Americans can have both efficient government and real tax relief.