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Congresswoman Betty McCollum's eNewsletter

December 20, 2010
e-Newsletter

Congresswoman McCollum Rejects Tax Cut Compromise
Congresswoman McCollum voted against the President Obama/Republican tax cut compromise last week as she said she would when the plan was announced. Although this compromise will extend unemployment benefits for 13 months for millions of Americans, as well as the middle class tax cuts, it will also grant additional tax breaks for America's wealthiest individuals. It also provides special tax giveaways such as $40 million for NASCAR race tracks and $235 million for rum producers in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This deal will add $858 billion to the federal deficit over the next two years.

"To keep the economic recovery on track and meet the needs of struggling American families, I do support extending middle class tax cuts and unemployment insurance," said Congresswoman McCollum. "But Republicans in Congress held these priorities hostage until millionaires and billionaires, along with special corporate interests, were guaranteed tax cuts that they don 't need. Tax breaks for the wealthy are a luxury Americans can't afford."

Congress Repeals "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"; Congresswoman McCollum Applauds End to Discrimination in the Armed Forces
This month, the House of Representatives and the Senate swiftly repealed the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which forbids homosexual members of the military from serving openly. Many members of the military - including Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen - have called for an end to Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and a recent study from the Pentagon concluded that there would be minimal risk to the troops if the ban was lifted.

Initially implemented in 1993, thousands of troops were discharged under this policy, putting our national security at risk. Congresswoman McCollum has been a long-timeadvocate of the repeal.

"I will vote to end a policy of open discrimination against a group of courageous Americans-men and women who proudly serve in the Armed Forces and put their lives on the line to defend our country," said Congresswoman McCollum. "For thousands of gay and lesbian veterans who have been discharged from the military over the years, Congress has acted too late. Nonetheless, it is time to honor their service by providing a new generation of patriotic gay and lesbian Americans the opportunity to serve our country proudly and openly."

President Obama is expected to sign this legislation into law this week.

Issues:Appropriations & BudgetDefense & National SecurityEducation