Opening Statement of the Hon. Jim Ramstad, M.C., Minnesota

Hearing on President's Tax Relief Proposals that Affect Individuals

March 21, 2001

Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership in examining and acting on the President’s tax relief agenda for Americans.

We have now seen the responsible framework of this year’s budget resolution. Our budget will allow us to pay down an unprecedented amount of debt, preserve Social Security and improve Medicare, fund important education, medical research and defense priorities, and provide meaningful tax relief.

The House recently sent the Senate the first installment of the President’s tax relief plan – a reduction in marginal tax rates for all taxpayers. These rate reductions are urgently needed to stimulate our sputtering economy. It is time now to turn to the next critical elements of the President’s plan.

The President’s plan is pro-family and pro-fairness. It recognizes the sacrifices families make to raise children. It defends married couples against higher taxes simply because they are married. It rewards charitable giving to help Americans in need. And it buries the unfair death tax, which prevents families from passing farms and businesses to the next generation.

I look forward to hearing from our distinguished witnesses about these crucial tax relief proposals.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.