Immigration has been in the news lately and I want to be sure my position on immigration policy is clear.  We are a nation of laws and the rule of law should apply to everyone, including those who seek to enter the United States.

 

I am categorically opposed to giving amnesty to illegal immigrants and support enforcement efforts to gain control of our borders.  In December the House passed H.R. 4437 with my support, by a vote of 239-182, which increases enforcement of our border, (including a border fence), mandates that employers verify that their workforce is legal, and increases resources for interior enforcement efforts.

 

My legislation was the basis for the provision in H.R. 4437 which requires all employers to use an automatic employment verification program that would check all employees’ names and Social Security Numbers.  Currently, a voluntary program which I authored, called the Basic Pilot Program, is in use in all 50 states and has run successfully for a decade.  I support making this program mandatory because I believe it is one way to turn off the “job magnet” and stem the tide of illegal immigration.

 

I support a number of other proposals to enforce immigration laws which include extending the U.S.-Mexico border fence for the entire length of the border, eliminating the diversity visa lottery, and increasing penalties for illegal immigrants and those who encourage illegal migration.  Only after these issues are addressed can we enact a realistic guest worker program.

 

The Senate has begun to consider an immigration reform package as well.  After the Senate passes an immigration reform bill, the two versions must be reconciled so that a final bill is voted on by each chamber before being sent to the President for signature.

I will continue to support immigration legislation that focuses on an enforcement-first approach and will encourage my colleagues to do the same.

 

 

 

The U.S. Treasury Department today announced it is conceding the legal dispute over the federal excise tax on long-distance telephone service.  The Department of Justice will no longer pursue litigation and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will issue refunds of tax on long-distance service for the past three years. Taxpayers will be able to apply for refunds on their 2006 tax forms, to be filed in 2007.

 

Treasury Secretary John Snow states, “Today is a good day for American taxpayers; it marks the beginning of the end of an outdated, antiquated tax that has survived a century beyond its original purpose, and by now should have been ancient history.

 

“The Federal Appeals courts have spoken across the board.  It’s time to ‘disconnect’ this tax and put it on the permanent ‘do not call’ list.

 

“In addition to ending the litigation, I would like to call on Congress to terminate the remainder of this antique tax by repealing the excise tax on local service as well.”

 

Key Facts Regarding Tax Refunds:

 

·         No immediate action is required by taxpayers. 

·         Refunds will be a part of 2006 tax returns filed in 2007. 

·         Refund claims will cover all excise tax paid on long-distance service over the last three years (time allowed given statute of limitations). Interest will be paid on refunds.

·         The IRS is working on a simplified method for individuals to use to claim a refund on their 2006 tax returns.  

·         Refunds will not include tax paid on local telephone service, which was not involved in the litigation.

·         Originally established in 1898 as a “luxury” tax on wealthy Americans who owned telephones, the federal excise tax on telephone calls is not compatible with today’s modern information-age society.