Bush Wants House to Pass Child Tax Refunds

Reuters ^ | 06-09-03

[Brian S]

Mon June 9, 2003 04:03 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush would sign a bill ensuring that low-income workers benefit from an increase in the child tax credit if the U.S. House of Representatives follows the Senate's lead and passes the measure, the White House said on Monday.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Bush wants the Republican-led House to pass the bill quickly so he can sign it into law.

"He understands they're going to take a look at some other tax matters. That's their prerogative," Fleischer told reporters. "But he wants to make certain that this does not get slowed down, bogged down. He wants to sign it."

Democrats have criticized both Bush and Republicans who control Congress for dropping a provision from the $350 billion tax cut bill Bush signed into law that would have allowed low income workers to benefit from the child tax credit increase.

Democrats have called the tax bill, which cuts taxes on dividends and capital gains on investments, a sop to the rich.

The Senate last week overwhelmingly approved a measure that would allow low-income families to benefit from the $400 increase in the child tax credit even if they do not earn enough money to pay federal income taxes.

House Republican leaders have suggested they may try to get more tax cuts out of the deal. Majority Leader Tom DeLay, a Texas Republican, said he would only support the child tax credit measure as part of a broader tax cut bill.

[Satadru]

What an idiot! These people already don't pay any taxes. For them it is not a reduction in their future taxes owed to the govt, but a spending program.

[Az Joe]

Ya gotta hand it to the Rats for fast and fancy footwork. One day they're against ANYONE getting their taxes cut and the next day they want EVERYONE to get their taxes cut.

[Goreknowshowtocheat]

Exactly, the demoncrats get Bush to side with their new spending program. Does Bush ever think these things through? Guess not.

[almcbean]

Anybody know of a viable,non-pandering political party that I can join?

[goodnesswins]

Now waiting a minute....I hope he's just saying this.....knowing DARN WELL Tom DeLay will NOT allow it to pass....PLEASE!

[mom-7]

I cannot believe that this is going on. If they didn't pay any taxes, why should they get money back. It is not up to the country to take care of these"children", it is the duty of the parents. I am ameniable to helping anyone, but, this is socialism, and the Republicans had better wise up to what the demonrats are up to.

[xrp]

The Constitution Party.

[xrp]

Precisely why any 'conservative' should not vote for the Republican Party. They have long since betrayed the conservative system.

[Argus]

Maybe, but it's cowardly of President Bush to posture as a me-too welfare liberal while counting on Rep. DeLay to take all the heat for standing up for common sense and fiscal responsibility.

[Hunble]

At the same time, Dual Income No Children (DINC) couples like my wife and I get screwed once again.

Literally, all of my wife's wages (she is an RN) go to the IRS each year. We are the ones that desperately need the tax breaks, but we always end up off of the list.

[xrp]

Hey, don't forget the single, no children individuals like myself!

[shawnlaw]

Look, it just means that we've added those families making 10K to 26K to the welfare roles. When you discuss this simply refer to it as a welfare benefit for low income workers.

[HostileTerritory]

Married people with kids--particularly with one parent at home--tend to vote Republican. Statistically, people like you and me vote Democrat, even when WE DON'T. Both parties know it and take it for granted. It sux.

It's hard for me not to be cynical about why this tax cut and so many others were structured to favor married people with kids. While I'm still waiting for the marriage penalty to get resolved, single-income married couples are getting a marriage bonus on their taxes.

But lower taxes are always a good thing, so I can't complain about the direction our President is taking.

[fooman]

Question. To qualify, do you have to actually work to make your 20-30K a year or can you be on welfare?

Its not so bad, behaviourly, if it gets people on the work escalator.

[fooman]

--Eventually moving up the tax brackets.

[HostileTerritory]

Single, no kids. The pollsters assume you're a Democrat. Most politicians respond accordingly. Frustrating, innit?

[HostileTerritory]

Delay is right, but his stand is a big political loser and the White House knows it. They do not want this unresolved next year. The cost of the change is minimal. Bush is going to make sure it gets through the House. Bank it.

[xrp]

Yes, because one thing is for sure, the Republicans aren't doing a damn thing to earn my vote.

[ShadowDancer]

Yep, here's one hell of a solid conservative for you.