Sessions: Americans Deserve Honest, Responsible Government

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX-32) today joined his colleagues on the House Rules Committee in calling for an open debate for extending current tax relief for all Americans.

"Without Congressional action, on January 1 the American people are facing the largest tax increase in our nation's history -- an unthinkable burden at a time of continued economic struggle," said Sessions. "This looming tax hike is driving uncertainty, discouraging investment and job creation."

"On behalf of American manufacturers, small businesses and families, I believe that all of the tax relief should be extended," stated Sessions. "However, after running the most closed Congress on record, the Democrat Majority at the very least owes the American people an open discussion about their future tax obligations. That is why I have joined my Republican colleagues in putting the Majority on notice that backroom deals at the expense of the American taxpayer will not be acceptable."

In a letter to Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, Rules Committee Ranking Member David Dreier (R-CA), Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Congressman Sessions asked the Democrat Majority to agree to an open and transparent process for tax relief extension. In addition to highlighting the urgent economic need to renew the tax relief, Sessions and his colleagues note the growing bipartisan chorus for maintaining the current tax rates to provide a measure of certainty in the marketplace. 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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