January 31,2000

Roth Applauds Archer Action on Marriage Penalty Relief

Finance Chair Will Draft Marriage Penalty Relief Measure in Senate


WASHINGTON -- Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. (R DE) today applauded House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Archer's action on marriage penalty relief legislation today, and announced his intention to move a marriage penalty relief measure through the Senate this year.

"Americans today are crushed by a tax burden that is the highest since World War II -- an absurd situation when we have a booming economy and an exploding budget surplus. Married couples in which both spouses work are penalized especially hard by the marriage penalty in our tax code. That is why last year Congress passed legislation that would have alleviated some of the marriage tax penalty. Unfortunately, President Clinton vetoed that bill. This year should be the year that we finally say good riddance to the marriage penalty anachronism, and usher in a tax code that is marriage friendly," Roth stated.

"I am pleased that my good friend Bill Archer is off to a speedy start with his bill today. The Finance Committee will also be working on marriage penalty relief, and we look forward to working with Chairman Archer, the House and the President on reversing this unfair tax policy this year."