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Contact: Jo Maney
Phone: (202) 226-2006
For Immediate Release:
9/13/2010

Rules Republicans Request Open Debate on Extension of Tax Relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rules Committee Ranking Republican David Dreier (R-CA) and his fellow Rules Committee Republicans, Congressmen Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), have written to Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) requesting an open and free flowing debate when the House considers legislation to extend tax relief for all Americans.  

They write:  “As the debate over how to deal with the soon-to-be expired tax relief for all Americans is heating up, there is an emerging consensus that a full extension, at least for some period of time, would be the best approach. That is why we are respectfully requesting that the Rules Committee provide for as open and free-flowing debate as possible when the legislation to extend the current tax rates reaches the floor.”

They also note that a bipartisan consensus is emerging that a full extension of some kind would be the right approach.  The full text of the letter to Chairwoman Slaughter follows.

September 13, 2010

Dear Chairwoman Slaughter,

As the debate over how to deal with the soon-to-be expired tax relief for all Americans is heating up, there is an emerging consensus that a full extension, at least for some period of time, would be the best approach. That is why we are respectfully requesting that the Rules Committee provide for as open and free-flowing debate as possible when the legislation to extend the current tax rates reaches the floor.   

The belief that the current rates should be kept in place is quickly becoming a bipartisan one.  Today’s POLITICO reveals that a group of Democratic members is asking your party’s leadership to do just that until the economic recovery gains more strength.  According to the report, a letter to Speaker Pelosi will state, “We believe in times of economic recovery, it makes good sense to maintain things as they are in the short term, to provide families and businesses the certainty required to plan and make sound budget decisions.”  (“Democrats Challenge Nancy Pelosi on Taxes”, POLITICO, September 13, 2010).  There is growing support for a full extension of some kind amongst Senate Democrats as well.  On an issue of this importance, the House must be able to work its will.

Considering the fact that the House has no further appropriations work on its schedule before the target October adjournment other than a continuing resolution, we will clearly have the time needed for this debate.  Our economy is suffering from uncertainty.  The Congress will have to act on this critical issue.  It’s our hope that when it does, the Rules Committee will allow the American people to see a full-fledged debate that considers all policy positions seeking to lower the tax burden for all Americans and getting our economy back on track.

Sincerely,



David Dreier

Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Pete Sessions

Virginia Foxx

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