MESSAGE FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER« Thread Started on Nov 9, 2007, 7:21pm » --------------------------------------------------------------------------------MESSAGE FROM THE MAJORITY LEADER Today, the House passed middle-class tax relief that will help millions of Americans, by protecting 23 million families from the Alternative Minimum Tax, and extending tax deductions for teachers, homeowners, and parents with children in college. This bill also contains important provisions that will help small businesses remain competitive and keep our economy strong. This legislation is fully paid for by closing unfair loopholes that keep a privileged few from paying their fair share of taxes. Majority Leader Hoyer speaks at a press conference insupport of the Middle-Class Tax Relief (AMT) Bill, with(from left) firefighter Michael Day who is protected fromthe AMT by this bill; Rep. Richard Neal; Ways and MeansChairman Charles Rangel; Rep. Patrick Murphy; andDCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen. Democrats are committed to fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by the fact that we have paid for these middle-class tax cuts, rather than continuing the Republican borrow-and-spend practice of piling debt on our children and grandchildren. When Republicans were given the opportunity to put forward a substantive proposal on how they would provide fiscally responsible middle-class tax relief, they came up with nothing. The House also passed landmark legislation this week that advances our nation's values of justice and equality. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation. A continuation of the civil rights legislation passed in the 1960's, this bill takes another step in ending discrimination and prejudice.Also this week, the House passed a trade agreement with Peru that includes for the first time enforceable worker rights and environmental standards that Democrats have long fought for.Next week, the House will vote on a bipartisan Head Start conference report that will improve teacher and classroom quality, strengthen Head Start's focus on school readiness, and expand the program to more children. The House will also vote on a mortgage reform bill that will assist Americans working to own their own home by discouraging risky loan practices, enhancing consumer protections for borrowers of "high cost loans," and strengthening oversight of the mortgage industry.Sincerely yours,STENY H. HOYER