WASHINGTON, DC - This morning, Chief Deputy Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling upon her to bring the Senate passed alternative minimum tax (AMT) relief legislation to the floor.  Below is the text of the letter: 

Speaker Nancy Pelosi
H-232 U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Madam Speaker:  

As the year draws to a close, I respectfully call upon you to bring much-needed alternative minimum tax (AMT) relief to the American people by allowing the Senate passed AMT patch to proceed to the House floor.  

In previous years, Congress has protected taxpayers from the ever-expanding reach of the AMT.  This year, Congress has the opportunity to do the same, but so far has not taken meaningful action to protect taxpayers.   Treasury Secretary Paulson has said that the inaction will now delay the issuance of approximately $75 billion in taxpayer refunds. If Congress does not act soon, 23 million Americans will become ensnarled in the AMT and face an unjust tax increase of nearly $2,000 each.  

On April 17, 2007, you stated that “the Democratic-led House is working to protect the middle-class and fix the AMT.”  I share your goal of shielding these 23 million taxpayers from the AMT.  Legislation was moved through the House that would raise taxes on small businesses and entrepreneurialism to pay for the AMT patch.  Imposing job-killing tax hikes is an imprudent route that the Senate overwhelmingly rejected in a vote earlier this month.  Temporary tax cuts paid for with permanent tax hikes so Washington can spend more is not what the American people expect.  I respectfully request you bring to the floor an AMT-relief bill free of any job–killing tax hikes.  Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Sincerely,

Eric Cantor

Member of Congress

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