Includes Sales Tax Deductions, Offshore Oil Exploration, Medicare Physician Payments

Washington, DC, Dec 8, 2006 - U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31) today voted in favor of a bill that will extend tax relief to millions of Americans, retains current Medicare physician payments, and expands domestic offshore oil exploration. H.R. 6111, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, is of particular importance to Texans, extending through 2007 a provision that allows taxpayers to deduct their State and local sales taxes in lieu of their State and local income taxes. The legislation overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 367 – 45.

“This comprehensive bill will allow taxpayers to keep more of their money where it belongs—in their pockets and out of the hands of Washington bureaucrats. We were also able to level the playing field for taxpayers living in states such as Texas by extending policies that allow Texas taxpayers to deduct their State and local sales taxes,” Congressman Carter said. “I am also pleased that this bill encourages the expansion of domestic oil exploration along the Outer Continental Shelf. Increased domestic production and exploration are critical to effectively addressing our nation’s energy needs.”

Congressman Carter continued, “I also strongly supported language in this bill that will allow millions of our nation’s seniors to receive quality medical care. By preventing cuts to the Medicare physician payment rates, physicians will be able to offer dependable, quality services to Medicare patients.”

H.R. 6111 includes language to improve Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This bill also enhances and extends a number of valuable tax relief provisions, such as the Research and Development Tax Credit and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, have been enhanced to provide more valuable incentives and additional tax relief.