• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

Ranchers.net

"War Surtax" Proposed to Help Pay for Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq


On Tuesday, Congressmen David Obey (pictured), John Murtha, and Jim McGovern proposed a "war surtax" which they say would help pay for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Taxpayers would be assessed an additional percentage to their tax bill, the size of which would depend on their annual income. Low- and middle-income taxpayers would be assessed an additional 2 percent to their tax bill. For higher-income taxpayers, the amount would be 15 percent. Congressman Obey estimated that the surtax would bring in $140-$150 billion dollars. He says he proposed the bill to draw attention to how much the wars cost and the risk of running up debts to pay for them. President Bush has requested $190 billion to fund both wars.

The proposal has not received the backing of the Democratic leadership, with both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer saying they do not support the measure. The bill is not expected to come before the House Ways and Means Committee.
Top