Stop the Gas Tax Increase

STOP THE GAS TAX INCREASE -- (House of Representatives - March 23, 2004)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to recent proposals to raise the Federal gas tax. As the former chairman of the South Carolina State Senate Transportation Committee, I know that raising taxes on
America's families is not the proper answer to building a better road system.

The gas tax is a regressive tax that affects low-income Americans disproportionately. The revered Heritage Foundation recently noted that analysis shows that increasing the gas tax would depress economic activity and the incomes of millions of Americans. It would also significantly raise less revenue than its proponents project.

Instead of raising the burden on over-taxed American families, we should better manage taxpayers' money. Millions of dollars are diverted every year on low-priority roadside enhancements that are not urgent safety matters. Also, we should repeal Davis-Bacon. As the Nonpartisan Americans For Tax Reform has noted, transportation costs would decrease by an estimated 8 to 30 percent if Congress would remove the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirement.

I ask all of my colleagues to oppose any attempt to raise the gas tax on American families.

In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.