Last month both political parties revved their engines as they showcased their people and policies for the world to see.
By U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson
Last month both political parties revved their engines as they showcased their people and policies for the world to see.
For the Republicans, notable leaders like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Democrat Senator Zell Miller made effective cases for re-electing President Bush to four more years in the White House.
While President Bush accepted our party’s nomination, he listed a number of accomplishments, such as a prescription drug program for seniors and tax cuts.
In a brilliant display of character and conviction, Bush demanded action on sweeping tax reform, strengthening Social Security, and improving health care. As someone who has introduced legislation on each of those bold proposals, I say, “Right on, President Bush. Let’s get the job done.”
Tax Reform:
The current system has become overly complex, utterly intrusive and economically destructive. President Bush is right. Today’s ‘short’ form for taxes should not take 11 hours to prepare. It’s time we made our tax system fairer, simpler and shorter.
I have a proposal, H.J. Res. 61, that would abolish the 16th amendment to the Constitution – the income tax amendment. Eliminating the income tax is the best way to spark true reform. If there isn’t a pending deadline to replace the burdensome tax code, procrastination will dominate…and the tax code will only grow bigger and bigger.
It is imperative that any new system rely on a vision for America that places the individual, not the government, at the center of society. To accomplish this, my initiative follows the basic principles of FREEDOM that are absent in the current system.
The new system must:
*Fair and simple
*Reduce the role of the government
*Encourage savings and investment
*be Efficient
*Deliver the taxpayers from complexity
*provide Opportunity for all
*put More money in the pockets of hard working Americans
If we stick to these criteria, we ultimately will create a system that reflects our highest values and will unleash enormous potential for this country and the American people. The time has come to wipe the slate clean and restore freedom to the American taxpayer.
Social Security:
Social Security is not sustainable for the long term. We need to permanently strengthen the program for future generations WITHOUT raising taxes.
Let’s be clear. President Bush will not change benefits for today’s retirees or soon-to-be-retirees. The President’s call for personal accounts for younger workers marks a new frontier in the current Social Security reform debate. Personal accounts help people build a nest egg for their retirement and to pass on to their spouse or their children. The choice to save for retirement in a personal account represents the best way to improve Social Security.
My bill, H.R. 4895, the Individual Social Security Investment Program Act of 2004, will give people born since 1950 the choice to divert their share of the payroll tax (6.2 %) into a personal retirement account. Employers will continue to contribute their 6.2% to assist in funding continuing benefits under the existing program, help pay transition and administrative costs, and fund disability and survivors’ benefits. Under the plan, people would be able to invest in personal retirement accounts set up much like 401(k) plans.
Why should those who retire in 2035 be forced to live off a system created in 1935? It’s time to give younger workers the option to invest in personal retirement accounts instead of waiting around for an empty government promise.
Health Care:
Every American should have access to affordable, high-quality health care. Rising health care costs impose a huge burden on families and small businesses and put coverage out of the reach for many.
Once again, President Bush voiced his strong support for Association Health Plans (AHPs). AHPs would help small businesses provide coverage for their employees by joining together to purchase insurance at the same discounts available to big companies.
My bill on Association Health Plans, H.R. 4281, would be a welcome relief to the 43 million Americans without health insurance. While this bill continues to stall in the Senate because of petty partisan politics, I am hopeful that President Bush will fight to make this legislation law.
In closing, President Bush’s acceptance speech in New York could be considered a To Do List for 2005 and beyond. Not afraid to tackle the really tough issues or politically sensitive policy, President Bush set the course for a better America. I look forward to working with the President to make these key domestic priorities a reality to improve our great nation for future generations.
