Congressman Clyburn Blasts Republican National Sales Tax

(Washington, DC) – House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair James E. Clyburn made the following remarks at a news conference held today in Washingtonwith members of the House Democratic Leadership regarding the Republican National Sales Tax proposal.

"Almost ten years ago, my colleagues and I began sounding an alarm trying to wake the American public to these sinister tax cuts the Republicans have been proposing.  Unfortunately, voters have continuously pressed the snooze button.  We believe, however, that they are finally beginning to respond loudly and clearly.  They are now wide awake and can see that the Republicans plan to close the widening deficit on the backs of the middle class and America's working men and women. 

"The Republicans national sales tax proposal will increase the cost of a $1.99 loaf of bread by a dollar to $2.99.  Their plan will burden young parents trying to buy a jumbo pack of Huggies diapers, which today costs $10.69, with an additional $5.50 increasing the cost of those diapers to $16.19.  Fifty Extra Strength Tylenol caplets will rise from a cost $5.59 to $8.09, an increase of $2.50.  And a gallon of whole milk will increase by $1.75 cents from $3.49 to $5.19. 

"But that is not all the Republican plan does.  Their plan will wreak havoc on the national economy, and wreck the hopes and dreams of those who yearn for the American dream of homeownership.  The Republicans plan will eliminate the deduction for mortgage interest, and it will thrust a stake in the heart of charitable programs like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters because their plan gets rid of deductions for charitable contributions. 

"This is by far the most unfair and irresponsible government proposal that Republicans in Washingtonand my home state of South Carolinahave put forward to date.  Fortunately, I think it has come at a time when Americans are no longer looking for the snooze button, but a ballot button at their polling places."

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