Hoyer ‘not pleased’ with addition of tax provision
By Klaus Marre
Posted: 10/01/08 11:04 AM
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) on Wednesday said he is “not pleased” with the Senate’s decision to add tax provisions to a Wall Street rescue package, noting that the move may cost Democratic votes.
Hoyer, who appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” with House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), said he would have to discuss the Senate’s new bill with House Democrats.
“I’m not particularly pleased with that addition myself, very frankly,” he said. “There’s no doubt the tax package is very controversial. The Senate, in my opinion, is adding that on because they think that’s the only way they can get it passed.”
Conservative Democrats in the Blue Dog Coalition have voted against Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) bills that have not been offset. Hoyer was among 30 Democrats who voted against an unpaid-for AMT bill last week.
The Senate's move to put the AMT provisions in the financial rescue bill is expected to pick up some Republican votes. It is unclear if the House will take up the Senate bill.
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http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/hoyer-not-pleased-with-addition-of-tax-provision-2008-10-01.html