This week, the House passed H.R. 2895, the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act, which creates a new fund in the Treasury that would make grants to states and localities, who then would pass on the money to local organizations that work on housing issues. The House also passed H.R. 3056, the Tax Collection Responsibility Act, which prohibits the IRS from using private tax collectors to recover outstanding debts.

Bringing Back God

One of the services Members of Congress provide for constituents is to have a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, which is then given to the requesting person with an accompanying certificate. This is often done to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events. Recently, the Architect of the Capitol, who facilitates these requests, began removing any reference to God in the commemorative certificates. For example, flag requests that read “for the love of God, family, and Country” were returned with the word “God” excluded, and read “for the love of family and Country.” This policy not only puts our religious freedoms and heritage at risk, but it is also inconsistent with many institutional practices in Congress. The Capitol contains many religious references including “In God We Trust” inscribed directly above the Speaker’s chair in the House Chamber. Additionally, God is referenced in the oath that Members of Congress recite when sworn into office. “In God We Trust” is printed on our currency, and clearly referenced in the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents. Over 140 Republicans and Democrats signed a letter last week protesting the Architect’s decision to omit references to God from flag certificates, and this week I co-sponsored H.R. 3779, a bill which would overturn this policy and allow religious references to be recognized on flag certificates as an important part of our heritage. Due to this overwhelming pressure from Members of Congress on behalf of their constituents, the Architect of the Capitol reversed the policy on Thursday, restoring the freedom of religious expression guaranteed by our Constitution and practiced in our traditions.

Death and Taxes

During consideration of the Tax Collection Responsibility Act this week, Republicans offered a motion to permanently repeal the death tax, which is imposed on a deceased person’s estate – for which he has already been taxed throughout his life. Unfortunately, Democrats – many of whom had voted in favor of this exact same legislation in the previous Congress – joined together to defeat the motion and support the continued taxation of Americans throughout their lives and beyond. The death tax affects not only individual assets, but also the assets of small businesses and family farms. In addition to the double tax the death tax imposes, the uncertainty of its future status makes it nearly impossible for families to make long-term financial decisions without knowing exactly when they are going to die. Under a 2001 tax relief law, the federal death tax is being gradually phased-out until it is eliminated completely in 2010. However, because of Senate procedural roadblocks, the death tax will return in 2011. I have co-sponsored several bills which would permanently end the death tax, and I intend to continue to work to repeal the death tax and extend the other tax cuts enacted in 2001 which have stimulated our economy.

Quote of the Week

“I have a million ideas. The country can't afford them all.” – Senator Hilary Clinton, who has already proposed $724 billion in new spending during her presidential campaign. 10/11/2007