Information about the vote from special interest groups and other information providers in our Report Cards:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act.
The Senate approved the conference report of a comprehensive tax relief package, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. H.R. 1836 was signed into law by President Bush on June 7, 2001. Among other things, the measure includes: - $1.35 billion of tax relief to American taxpayers, including a reduction of marginal income tax rates; - Phase out of the "death tax;" and - Provisions to make it easier for businesses to offer retirement plans to its workers. In 2001, the U.S. Chamber helped lead the fight for H.R. 1836 through its participation in the Tax Relief Coalition, an organization of several hundred trade associations, chambers of commerce, businesses, and citizens groups in support of the President Bush's tax package. Speaking at the U.S. Chamber in April 2001 at a Tax Relief Coalition rally, President Bush sent a message to all Americans: "Thanks to the help of a lot of folks here and all around the country, tax relief is on the way."
Taxpayers for Common Sense Action
Passage of Congressional Budget Blueprint.
The Budget Resolution, the budget blueprint for fiscal year 2002, allowed for up to $1.2 trillion in tax cuts (the cost is much higher when additional interest costs are factored in) and allowed for almost $900 billion of new spending in many areas, while offsetting those increases with unrealistic reductions in politically-popular programs.
It used unrealistic assumptions about the surplus, cut taxes, used Medicare trust funds to finance general spending, and increased spending.
The Senate passed the 2002 Budget Resolution.