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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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4/4/01

Judiciary Committee Releases Bill to Amend Constitution
Committee sends Tax Limitation Amendment to House floor

WASHINGTON- Today the House Judiciary Committee reported out of committee House Joint Resolution 41, the Tax Limitation Amendment (TLA).  It is expected that the TLA will be sent to the floor of the House of Representatives in the near future.

The TLA is a vital protection for taxpayers against future tax increases. A simple majority vote to raise taxes is an invitation for politicians to do what they are too often prone to do: raise taxes. Four of the last five major tax increases passed Congress by less than a two-thirds supermajority.  The TLA will put an end to the problem of increasing taxes by a mere simple majority.

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) President Grover Norquist issued the following statement in response to the House Judiciary Committee's actions:

"Today, taxpayers can breathe a sigh of relief.  The House Judiciary Committee took a bold step today to offer greater protection to taxpayers:  they took a step toward making it harder for taxes to be increased.

"We believe the concept of making it harder for politicians to raise taxes is an excellent one.  We would encourage all Congressman to put the interests of their constituents first and support the Tax Limitation Amendment."

"We are mindful of the fact that this is just a first step.  It still needs to be voted on in the House as well as the Senate.  We will continue to work to see that it is passed and ultimately signed into law.  Our focus will be on protecting taxpayers."

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.