Efforts Applauded to Pull Special Interest Tax Provisions From Bipartisan Armed Services Tax Relief Bill

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (4th C.D.) applauded the efforts of a bipartisan coalition that was successful in pulling a bill from the House floor today that was filled with special interest tax giveaways. McCarthy supports the underlying bill, passed by the Senate Finance Committee, which gave tax relief to members of the armed services.

"Today, I planned to vote on a bill to provide much-needed tax relief for our men and women in uniform. However, I had serious reservations about bringing a bill to the floor with indefensible tax breaks for narrow special interests tacked on," McCarthy said.

Included in the wish list of tax provisions offered by the Republicans:

* A tax break to benefit manufacturers of fishing tackle boxes;

* A special tax rate on fuel that is a blend of diesel fuel and water benefiting the few companies that manufacture such fuel;

* A tax break for makers of bows and arrows; and

* Tax break for foreigners who place bets outside the U.S. on U.S. horse races.

"As we are on the verge of a potential war with Iraq, we need to be putting the interests of our military folks ahead of special interests," McCarthy commented. "It is a disgrace that these special interest tax breaks actually take money away from resources intended to provide financial relief for hard-working members of the U.S. military."