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DeGette Statement on H.R. 5806

December 11, 2014

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) offered the following statement following her vote opposing H.R. 5806:

"I have long supported tax incentives for charitable giving. H.R. 5806 includes several provisions that make it easier for individuals and businesses to give to charities of their choosing, and I have supported these in the past. Charitable organizations and those who give to them deserve the certainty of permanent tax provisions instead of short-term extensions, which are particularly ineffective when passed retroactively.

"Unfortunately, the House Republican leadership is using a double standard on budget matters by voting on tax measures that increase the deficit but refusing to consider funding for unemployment insurance and other important programs unless the costs are fully offset. This is a dangerous precedent that could open the door to adding $500 billion to the national debt if all tax extenders are made permanent.

"I hope we will have the opportunity in the next Congress to vote on balanced tax reform legislation that simplifies the tax code and puts our government in a stronger fiscal position."