The Transport Workers Union sent this letter to all House members on June 5, 2002, urging them to vote "No" on H.R. 2143 for permanent repeal of the estate tax. The letter notes that, "In every other war in American history taxes have been raised to defray the costs of the war. During World War I wealthy Americans asked to have their taxes raised so they could participate in the war effort and do their share." June 5, 2002 Dear Representative: On behalf of the 125,000 members of the Transport Workers Union, we strongly urge you to vote against the attempt to make the Estate Tax permanent when H.R. 2143 is brought to the House floor later this week. Whatever its merits at the time it was passed, it is unconscionable NOW – in time of WAR – to cut taxes on a handful of multi-millionaires while our sons and daughters are being asked to risk their lives for our country. In every other war in American history taxes have been raised to defray the costs of the war. During World War I wealthy Americans asked to have their taxes raised so they could participate in the war effort and do their share. Every poll taken indicates that this is also the sentiment of the American people today – large majorities support deferring future tax cuts in order not to have to pay for the war effort by taking money out of the Social Security Trust Fund. Yet K Street lobbyists have been pushing to make the Estate Tax Cut, in particular, permanent – the one tax cut out of them all that most heavily favors a handful of wealthy Americans. Greed today is not just unseemly. It is unpatriotic and the height of cynical manipulation of the political process to carve out billionaires as the exception to the rule that we all must do our part in the War on Terrorism. H.R. 2143 is an abomination – a cruel slap at our sons and daughters standing in harm’s way for the national defense. We strongly urge you to oppose it. Sincerely, Roger Tauss Legislative Director International Vice President