Tax and Appropriations

Today the House passed the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act, which will extend and expand tax incentives for renewable energy.

I support this bill for two reasons. First, because it provides essential tax relief to American families and businesses. And second—and just as importantly—because it is paid for.

The bill provides essential tax relief to American families and businesses. Its tax credits will help create tens of thousands of American jobs, while investing in the new energy technology we need to break our dependence on foreign oil.

The House passed the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, which funds certain government operations at last year’s levels through March 6, 2009. The bill passed by a vote of 370 to 58.

The continuing resolution before us funds the federal government at its current levels through the month of March.

The House has already passed responsible legislation this year to extend expiring energy incentives and business tax credits. While we applaud the Senate for acting yesterday and taking a step toward being fiscally responsible, their bill still falls short of the pay-as-you-go principle that House Democrats have insisted on.

I am pleased that the Senate has moved forward on passing these important tax provisions.