Ensign Votes Against Billion Dollar Tax Earmark

Senator John Ensign voted against a plan proposed by the Democrats today that contains a billion dollar tax earmark, includes a special tax handout just for trial lawyers and raises taxes.

 “Americans are struggling with skyrocketing gas prices,” said Ensign.  “Instead of focusing on those who need the help, the Democrats’ plan plays favorites.”

The Democrats’ failed tax plan includes a $1.2 billion tax earmark slipped into the bill for New York Senator Chuck Schumer and will build a train from Manhattan to John F. Kennedy Airport.  According to the Joint Taxation Committee, this type of tax earmarking has never been done before.  For trial lawyers, the bill includes a special deduction for up-front expenses, even though they expect to recover them when they win or settle. 

“The American people were promised change, but Congress continues to deliver business-as-usual in some new and creative ways,” said Ensign.

Ensign is leading efforts on a competing bill, S. 3098, which extends key tax relief for families, small businesses and renewable energy development.  S. 3098 extends tax provisions that either expire at the end of this year or already expired last year, such as the state and local sales tax deduction. This tax bill also includes Ensign’s legislation to encourage renewable energy development, which previously passed the Senate 88 – 8.

Because Nevada has no state income tax, Nevadans are allowed to deduct a portion of their sales tax from their federal tax returns, saving most families hundreds of dollars each year.

Ensign signed onto S. 3098 as a cosponsor, joining with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican Whip Jon Kyl, Finance Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley and others in moving this bill to the President’s desk for signature.