Further, the current tax system makes American companies less competitive in international trade and discourages them from investing foreign profits back in the United States. It also discourages exportation and encourages production in foreign countries, which has a direct and negative affect on American jobs. Congress must lift the burden of taxes off families, small businesses and family farms, and I pledge to work tirelessly in Congress to achieve that end. I believe the tax cuts I voted for in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act need to be made permanent. If we allow the tax cuts to sunset in 2010 as they are scheduled to do, the American people will be subject to the largest tax increase ever. Growth-oriented tax cuts, such as a capital gains tax cut and proposals to end the double taxation on dividends are the most effective means to wider reform of the tax code. These cuts would stimulate the economy, while reducing the burden on America's families. While a tax cut is a step in the right direction, there must be systemic reform if we are to simplify the tax code and spur economic growth.

Tax reform should be built upon four basic principles: -Single low rate of taxation for all Americans -Elimination of bias against savings and investment -Equal treatment of all taxpayers -Simplified tax code and tax filing I believe that a strong Main Street is just as important to America's financial health as a strong Wall Street. By following these principles, Congress can lighten the heavy tax burden on America's working families, small businesses and family farms, thus keeping them strong well into the next century.