Letters FROM Congress
What does congress think about the Fair Tax (H.R.25)? Fifty-three representatives in the house have signed the act; seven new cosponsors this year. In comparison, the Flat Tax (H.R.1040) has only five cosponsors in addition to Rep. Michael Burgess. Interestingly, three of the H.R.1040 cosponsors, Rep. Bonilla, Rep Hall, and Rep. McCaul are also Fair Tax cosponsors. Their support of both bills demonstrates that they believe either reform would be an improvement over the current system.
According to ratings reported by FairTaxScorecard.com, 31% of the representatives favor the legislation while 20% oppose it. The remaining 49% are uncommitted.
The scorecard uses a 6 position ranking system as shown in the following table:
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FairTaxScorecard.com Ratings (from worst to best)
1. Will Not Commit – This rating does not promote debate (fence sitting)
2. Against – Public opposition
3. Leans Against – The leader has concerns but they are still open to discussion
4. Leans For – Not fully committed, but very open to the idea
5. For – Public support of the Fair Tax
6. Cosponsor – Official support of the Fair Tax Act of 2005.
Only the 6th rating represents an official position of the congress person. The first five are simply an interpretation based on the leader’s public statements and written correspondence. For many people, the only number that counts is the 53 sponsors and cosponsors of the bill. I have to agree and even further emphasize that even co-sponsorship does not matter if we don’t get a vote on the floor. In the end, only the full vote on the floor of the house makes a difference.
So why have six rating positions that don’t mean very much? Just because the ratings are not definitive does not mean that they are worthless. If the rating helps you with the tone of your next letter, then we are doing our job at the FairTaxScorecard.com. We can also use the scorecard to let them know we are watching. Cite the scorecard rating in your letter and ask if it is correct. Let them know that they must cosponsor the bill to get your vote. Tell them that even a “For†rating without co-sponsorship is not acceptable.
We are getting their attention, congress visits the scorecard also.
A simple rating cannot tell us everything. A letter can tell us much more. Not just if they support the Fair Tax, but why they support it. A letter can also list their concerns. That gives us an opportunity to provide educational assistance to our leaders. It gives us the opportunity to help our country.
Because letters from congress can tell us so much, FairTaxScorecard.com has added a feature to post letters on the leader’s scorecard record. On a single web page you can see your representative’s H.R.25/S.25 or H.J.Res.16 co-sponsorship, Fair Tax ratings, Books sent to congress, Ways & Means/Senate Finance committee membership, Office addresses and phone numbers, website address, and email address. Now with the new letter feature, you can read the members own words regarding their Fair Tax position. You can use that information to decide what to say in your next letter.
Use the scorecard to help write your letter, send a copy of your congressman’s response in pdf or jpg format to FairTaxScorecard@Gmail.com and we will post it on the congress person’s scorecard record. You may include a copy of your original letter in rich text format (.rtf) and will post both letters together. Write a follow-up letter. Be relentless.
To make this work, we need your letters. Visit FairTaxScorecard.com and send us your letters from congress.
