NTU urges Representatives to vote “NO” on the rule for H.R. 4853, the so-called “Middle Class Tax Relief Act,” that fails to extend all 2001 and 2003 taxpayer relief laws.
Hikingtaxes, on anyone, in this economy would have terrible effects on consumerspending, job creation, small and medium-sized business activity, and manyother ingredients we need for economic recovery. The President himself has saidthat small businesses are responsible for 70 percent of job creation inAmerica, but half of these small businesses owners fall into the top two incometax brackets, yielding severe consequences for the entire nation if currentrates are not extended.
In fact, NTU recently led an open letter toCongress, signed by 313 economists, advocating an extension of allcurrent tax rates on income and investments. There is simply no better optionif we are to shrink unemployment and bounce back from the recent financial crisis.Boosting taxes, for anyone, is no way to tackle our current challenges. Prudentspending restraint and a growing economy are the best course to set for ourfiscal future.
Moreover, it is unacceptable for House leaders to bringthis legislation under a closed rule, thereby prohibiting amendments that couldsignificantly improve the bill in an otherwise open, democratic legislativeprocess. This vote amounts to nothing more than a procedural gimmick to deceivethe American people, further alienate opposing viewpoints, and ignore thecritical issue at hand.
We urge Representatives to vote “NO” on this rule and workto bring a full extension of 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to the House floor for avote.
All roll call votes relating to H.R. 4853,the so-called “Middle Class Tax Relief Act,” will be heavily weighted inour annual Rating of Congress.
If you have any questions, please contact:
NTU Federal Government Affairs Manager Jordan Forbes at(703) 683-5700