LEWIS: Opening Statement from Oversight Subcommittee Hearing on Improper Payments in the Administration of Refundable Tax Credits

I thank the Chairman for holding this hearing today.  The topic is both timely and important.  But, I must say that I am troubled.  I am concerned by the current path of this Committee. 

I continue to ask, "Who is next?"  "Who else is on your list?" We started the year with seniors and proposals to end Medicare.  The Committee then moved to teachers and their pensions, and then to women's health and the uninsured.  And, today, the target is middle-class, working families.

In 2009, the tax credits discussed today delivered almost $160 billion to more than 100 million Americans.  They helped students pay for college.  They helped families care for their children.  They helped families adopt children.  They helped millions buy homes.  They helped make work pay.  They helped middle class families do just a little bit better.

Today, we will hear about a program for working families created over 35 years ago—the Earned Income Tax Credit.  A program that encourages and rewards work, and gives dignity to people who work hard each and every day. 

A program that lifts families and their children out of poverty and into the middle-class—over seven million families last year alone.  A program expanded by both Democrats and Republicans alike, including President Ronald Reagan.   

The administration of tax benefits for middle-class and working families is no different than for corporations and the wealthy.  Tax benefits are complex. 

We all agree that we must improve the administration of all taxes.  However, we should not use flawed estimates based on old data to single out working, middle-class Americans.  Why are we here today, putting tax benefits for middle-class families in a bad light? 

I stand for fairness in tax administration. And, I stand for millions of working American families.  These families need our help today.  I support these tax credits.  I will fight to improve these programs and give these families a fair shake. 

I thank the witnesses for being here today.   

Thank you.  I yield back. 

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