Bush Pitches Tax Cut

Feb. 5 -- Offering "relief for everybody who pays taxes," President Bush began a concerted public push today to build support for his tax-cut plan.

"Under the plan I'll be sending to Congress later this week, every American who pays income taxes will get tax relief," Bush said at a White House press conference with three middle-income families this morning. "This is real and practical help, when at this time, Americans need it."

Bush's meeting with middle-class families, reminiscent of the ones he staged during the campaign last year, was intended to make the case that the president's across-the-board cut in income tax rates would benefit all Americans.

"The biggest percentage cuts will go to the families who need it most," Bush added. "My plan addresses the struggles of American families, and respects their judgment. It doesn't tell people how to spend their money. It's tax relief for everybody who pays taxes."

In his comments, Bush dismissed the idea that his plan, which would result in a significant drop in income tax rates for those in the highest tax bracket, is tilted too heavily toward the wealthy.

"I strongly believe the plan I have submitted is structured the right way," the president said. "I think when people take a good hard look at the rate reduction and who benefits … people will come to realize it."

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One Plan, 10 Years, $1.6 Trillion

Bush's tax plan, which he made a central promise of his campaign, consists of a 10-year, $1.6 trillion cut that would lower income tax rates in all brackets. The president's proposal would also combine the five basic income tax brackets into four categories, and lower the highest tax rate to 33 percent.

"Our tax code should not punish success at any stage of life," Bush said, adding, "people can sometimes feel like thejunior partner in their own lives, and that's why we set the top rateat 33 percent."

Bush will submit a broad outline of the plan to Congress on Thursday. Between now and then, he will spend much of the week staging public events designed to build support for the proposal.