NATION : No Bush Income Taxes Pledge
The White House denied today that President Bush had assured Republican lawmakers that he will not propose income tax rate increases. The denial came a day after Senate Republican leader Bob Dole of Kansas said he does not expect the President to propose an increase in the rates.
“He has not made any assurances on anything. Everything is up for discussion,” White House press spokeswoman Alixe Glen told reporters accompanying Bush on a Fourth of July vacation in Kennebunkport, Me.
Dole said he expects Bush will not back tax rate increases, but will support higher oil import fees and taxes on alcohol and tobacco.
Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) countered Sunday on ABC’s “This Week With David Brinkley” that such an approach would not raise enough money to reduce huge budget deficits.
Glen refused to characterize any proposals that are under discussion by Administration and congressional negotiators who are trying to reach an agreement on reducing the deficit.
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