Langworthy Leads Rule Debate for Efforts to Reverse Biden's Harmful LNG Export Ban & SALT Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today,Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) delivered opening remarks for debate on the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7160) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the limitation on the amount certain married individuals can deduct for State and local taxes, and providing for consideration of the resolution (H.Res. 987) denouncing the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration, and for other purposes.
The Congressman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this rule and in support of the underlying legislation.
H.R. 7160, the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act would bring much-needed relief to hard-working Americans in high-tax states that make the cost-of-living unbearable. This legislation is an important fix to our nation’s tax code that will raise the cap for joint income tax filers—married couples— to twenty thousand dollars. This legislation makes right a provision in our tax code that is clearly unfair and penalizes middle-class families in many states across this country.
Mr. Speaker, President Biden’s reckless spending of hard-earned taxpayer dollars means that American families are already saddled with high inflation. Add to that the exorbitant taxes paid by those who live in states that are run by Democrats who want to take and spend even more of their money.
Many of my colleagues have argued that raising the cap for State and Local Tax deductions is just bailing out blue states for their reckless spending and failed policies. However, New York—as is the case with many higher-tax states—pays far more into the federal government than it receives in return. And that money that New York State pays into the Federal government is invested in states across this country for things like infrastructure, law enforcement, and other essential services.
I can assure my colleagues here today, that millions of New Yorkers—including those living in my own district—are painfully aware of and routinely vote against, the fiscal insanity perpetuated by Governor Kathy Hochul, just as millions of Californians are deeply opposed to the reckless tax-and-spend policies of Governor Gavin Newsom and Democrats in Sacramento. That’s why this legislation before us today isn’t a bailout for harmful state policies, it is a lifeline to Americans who are feeling the pain of this out-of-control taxation firsthand.
M_ Speaker, it’s common to hear from those opposed to the SALT Deduction, that this deduction only benefits the very rich. I encourage them to talk to police officers and firefighters living in Nassau County on Long Island, or middle-class families living in Southern California, trying to pay their bills, put food on the table and ensure their children have a good life. I think you’ll find that these are the Americans who are in need of, and will benefit the most from, this urgent and necessary relief.
Additionally, the rule before us provides for consideration of H. Res. 987 a resolution denouncing the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Biden Administration.
On January 26, 2024, President Biden chose to serve his political interests—and the interests of radical environmentalists—over the interests and needs of the American people. His decision to halt the export of American liquified natural gas only further undermines our economy and further jeopardizes the security of our nation.
Liquified natural gas – or LNG—has played a crucial role in fostering our nation’s economic growth and energy independence. By putting a sudden stop to its exports, President Biden is jeopardizing the livelihoods of countless Americans who depend on the energy sector for their jobs.
Let me be clear – this move by President Biden is nothing more than a stab in the back to the very people who fuel our nation and who have been world leaders in energy technology innovation that make this country great. President Biden’s action also emboldens our adversaries like Russia, and leaves our allies in Europe—who import 68% of U.S. LNG exports—out to dry.
The bottom line is this – if we are to ensure a secure future of affordable, reliable energy, where the United States and our allies are not dependent on foreign adversaries for our energy needs—then we need to ensure this nation remains a lead exporter of LNG.
The President’s asinine choice to prioritize the short-sighted goals of radical environmentalists and score political points with the woke mob is being made at the expense of long-term stability and compromising our nation’s economic strength. It is our responsibility here as Members to condemn this profoundly un-American action that is in clear contravention of U.S. interests.
I therefore strongly urge my colleagues to support this rule, and I reserve the balance of my time.”