Tax Relief And Health Care Act of 2006

TAX RELIEF AND HEALTH CARE ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - December 08, 2006)

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today, I voted for H.R. 6111, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006. This bill contained a number of critical provisions, which I supported, and a few which I opposed.

Among the critical provisions contained in the bill, were the tax deductions for higher education expenses, the extension of the research and development tax credit, and the tax deduction for teachers who purchase certain educational supplies for their classrooms. I approve of allowing employers who hire individuals in targeted groups to claim the maximum $2,400 work opportunity tax credit and the welfare to work tax credit. This bill enhances individual ownership of health care decisions by strengthening health savings accounts. And of course, I am thrilled that the bill prevents a decrease in Medicare physician reimbursement payments.

However, I was disappointed that some of my colleagues included some other policies, such as the provisions involving the abandoned mine land program. The Congressional Budget Office has determined that these changes will increase government spending, costing the taxpayers $4.9 billion over 10 years. Ultimately, the inclusion of these provisions was enough to violate the budget resolution agreed to by the House, which is intended to help restrain out-of-control Federal spending. I am sorry also that the bill contained an earmark demanded by the Democratic leader in the Senate.

It is my firm belief, shared by many others, that this was the last opportunity we would have for at least 2 years to vote for these good provisions. Realizing that this was not a perfect bill and that it was unlikely I would have a chance to vote on a ``clean'' bill, I voted for this bill to ensure the positive tax policies that have led to 38 consecutive months of economic growth will not end.

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