SQUEAL Act: Should Tax Deductions For the Living Expenses Incurred by Members of Congress be Eliminated? (S. 2033)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is S. 2033?
(Updated May 30, 2019)
This bill — known as the SQUEAL Act — would eliminate the tax deduction for living expenses incurred by members of Congress, which is currently limited to $3,000 per year. Among the expenses that lawmakers can deduct under the tax break are meals, lodging, and other incidental business expenses while away from their home.
The bill’s full title is the Stop Questionable, Unnecessary, and Excessive Allowances for Legislators Act.
Argument in favor
Members of Congress shouldn’t get a tax break that lets them deduct their living expenses, like meals and lodging, when they’re in Washington, D.C. The deduction should be eliminated.
Argument opposed
Members of Congress need a tax deduction to help make up for the additional expenses they incur from splitting their time between home and Washington, D.C.
Impact
Members of Congress; and the Internal Revenue Service.
Cost of S. 2033
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced this bill to “cut perks for elected officials and make Washington squeal” by eliminating a provision of the tax code that lets members of Congress deduct up to $3,000 annually for living expenses in the Washington, D.C. area:
“Iowans sent me to Congress to make Washington, D.C. squeal and that includes eliminating handouts to politicians. To achieve the ultimate goal of lowering tax rates for hardworking families and businesses, Congress is going to have to eliminate various loopholes and deductions in our outdated tax code. Congress should lead by example and offer up its own unnecessary tax break.”
Media:
Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: inhauscreative / iStock)The Latest
-
IT: Battles between students and police intensify, and... 💻 Should we regulate AI access to our private data?Welcome to Thursday, May 2nd, listeners... The battle between protesters and police intensifies on college campuses across the read more...
-
Should U.S. Implement Laws Protecting Private Data from AI Access?Artificial intelligence is rapidly integrating into our everyday lives, transforming the way we work, live, and interact with read more... Artificial Intelligence
-
Protests Grow Nationwide as Students Demand Divestment From IsraelUpdated May 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST The battle between protesters and police has intensified on college campuses across the read more... Advocacy
-
IT: Rumors spread about ICC charging Israel with war crimes, and... Should states disqualify Trump?Welcome to Tuesday, April 30th, friends... Rumors spread that the International Criminal Court could issue arrest warrants for read more...