I support extending tax cuts for Hoosiers, currently set to expire in 2010 and 2011, and voted against the Democratic budget because it did not reflect this priority.

I also support keeping the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) from hiking taxes for millions of middle class Americans.  The AMT was originally designed to ensure very wealthy individuals do not avoid paying income tax, but because it is not adjusted for inflation, the tax now threatens to raise taxes on middle-class families in Indiana. In fact, until Congress stepped in and passed an AMT patch in December, the AMT would have added an average of $2,000 to the annual tax bills of over 35,000 8^th District residents.  I was proud to use my vote in Congress to prevent Hoosiers from paying more taxes, and I will continue to work toward a permanent fix for the AMT.

I firmly believe our government has to do a better job of using the resources we have by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse and increasing transparency in government. We also must ensure everyone plays by the rules and pays what they owe. We can do that in two important ways:

1) Simplify the Tax Code - Congress needs to take a fresh look at loopholes in the tax code. The complexities of this massive code overwhelm most Americans and allow some people to take advantage of the system and not pay their share.

2) Hold Tax Evaders Accountable - Each year, we lose billions of dollars of revenue from tax fraud and payment delays. I am particularly angered by government contractors who owe millions in unpaid taxes even as they pad their bottom lines with taxpayer dollars, so I introduced a bill prohibiting contractors who don't pay their taxes from receiving government contracts, HR 4881. See what else I'm doing to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington

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