Statement by Congressman Ruppersberger About H.R. 4181, Marriage Penalty Tax Bill
The following is a statement by Congressman Ruppersberger.
"I support HR 4181. It will permanently get rid of the marriage penalty. I voted for this tax cut as a matter of equity and fairness. I do not believe couples should be penalized for getting married. The standard deduction for a single person should simply be doubled when a couple gets married. This measure does this and makes it permanent. Under current law, relief from the marriage penalty ends in 2010."
"In our current economic climate, families across our country deserve tax relief from the time they are newlyweds to the time they are parents with children to the time they are enjoying their golden years. This move is a good first step to help all families."
"But, I am disappointed that the Republican leadership brought this bill to the floor without a plan or a means to pay for it. This move will add to the deficit. I believe the U.S. House of Representatives has a responsibility to fund this cut. We can no longer cut taxes and increase the deficit. We are borrowing against our children and grandchildren's future."
"I supported the Democratic Alternative that would have permanently eliminated the marriage penalty while not adding to the deficit. Here on Capitol Hill, we should provide tax relief but at the same time we must exercise fiscal restraint."
"The Republican leadership intends to bring more tax cuts to the floor and I will consider each on a case by case basis. We must find the right tax cuts for the right time. Our children and grandchildren deserve it."
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