Walz Offers Proposal to Give Americans Certainty, Extend Middle Class Tax Cuts Now
Statement
Today, Congressman Tim Walz filed a discharge petition to bring forward a bill that would give certainty to millions of Americans by extending the middle class tax cuts immediately. While the President and Congress broker a big, balanced deal that will grow our economy, reduce the deficit, and create jobs, Walz urged Republicans and Democrats to come together to do what they already agree on--extending tax cuts for the middle class. A transcript of his speech announcing the discharge petition is below.
"Today let's show the American people the politics of the possible. Let's focus on what we agree on, not what we disagree on. Let's find common ground. We can accomplish this by extending the middle class tax cuts immediately. Let's have the people's House break this ridiculous stalemate. Let families all across the nation go into the holiday season with certainty.
"Everyone here agrees taxes should not go up on middle class families. Democrats and Republicans can come together to make that happen. By extending the tax cuts, every American will get a tax break on their first $250,000 of income. Let me repeat that: one hundred percent of Americans will receive a tax break on $250,000 of income. It also extends the child tax credit, makes it easier for small businesses to expand, makes it affordable to go to college, and fixes the Alternative Minimum Tax.
"If we fail to act in the next 10 days, middle class families will see their income taxes go up by $2,000 dollars. No one wants it, the economy doesn't need it. The Senate's already passed a bill. The President said he would sign it today. It can be done now.
"Please, stand up, sign the discharge petition, and make a difference for the American public."
A discharge petition requires the House to consider the legislation once a majority (218) Members of Congress have signed it. This process was successful in forcing action to get campaign finance and disabled veterans benefits enacted in 2001 and 2003.
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