Madam Speaker, I rise to support the importance of patching the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) this year. Although it would have been my strong preference to pay for the middle class tax relief we are providing today, I do not believe we should penalize 23 million Americans for the Republican party’s fiscal irresponsibility and intransigence.
Throughout this debate, we have demonstrated that it is possible to provide important tax relief in a fiscally responsible manner. Unfortunately, the White House and an obstructionist minority in the other chamber have blocked these efforts. That obstruction is regrettable. But it must not be permitted to create an additional liability for millions of middle class Americans the AMT was never intended to burden.
Madam Speaker, the hour is late. The need is clear. I urge my colleagues’ support, and I yield back the balance of my time.