Washington, D.C. -  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3996, legislation to protect more than 20 million American taxpayers from Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for an additional year.  Importantly, this measure would keep the AMT at bay for one year, without raising taxes, as originally proposed by the House Democratic Leadership.   In response, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.), Ranking Member on the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, released the following statement:

“Although this is a bill that is important that the House passed, it should have been voted on four to six months earlier this year.  This is critical tax relief that has been held up by crass congressional politics from spend thrift politicians who tried to milk the middle-class for extra revenue. Because of their delaying tactics, many taxpayers are going to face unprecedented delays in getting their tax refunds next year.

“Only in Washington could some green-eye-shade type conjure up the idea that it is necessary to raise taxes on one group of Americans in order to prevent another group of Americans from paying more taxes.

“Instead of focusing our energy on who should pay more taxes, as the Democratic Majority has done, Congress should be focused on what kind of pro-growth, pro-innovation and pro-job tax policies to enact.

“While we’ve managed to protect middle-class families and keep the AMT at bay this time around, our work is far from done. In the new year, we must re-engage on this issue with renewed energy and set a clear path toward the repeal of the AMT.  American taxpayers and the economy deserve no less.”

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