The Disconnect Between American Voters and Members of Congress

This afternoon, the Senate voted 51-48 to restore reasonable tax rates on the top two percent of Americans. Ending the Bush tax cuts for households making more than $250,000 would generate almost a trillion dollars in revenue over the next ten years. This revenue could be used to pay down the deficit and build a platform for future growth by investing in education, infrastructure, research, clean energy, and more. With this vote, a majority of senators acknowledged the need for more revenue and for a fairer tax system.

While the outcome of the vote is important, the narrowness of the victory is troubling. Only 51 senators voted in favor of this legislation (Jim Webb (D-VA) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) voted against it). Yet 68 percent of American voters support ending tax cuts for the richest two percent, and 56 percent strongly support asking those with the means to pay more to do so. Perhaps as important: 69 percent of independent voters and 71 percent of women support ending the Bush tax cuts on the top two percent; in fact, 70 percent of people with incomes over $100,000 support ending tax cuts that may personally benefit them. By large margins, the voting public wants more tax fairness. Politicians should take heed.

Action on taxes now turns to the House. Unfortunately, the only bill they’ll vote on there is whether or not to extend the Bush tax cuts across the board. This would add $2.8 trillion to the deficit over the next ten years.

Stand up for fairness and make your voice heard. Contact your representative and urge him or her to vote no on extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent. Please call 1-888-744-9958 to connect to your representative's office.

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