Ehrlich on Washington column, March 22, 1999

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 205 1 5 Week of March 22, 1999 A Full Plate for the Congress in 1999 Every year, the Congress confronts the usual assortment of budget bills and debates over such issues such as Social Security and welfare reform. If you read the newspaper or watch television, you might think our time is consumed with these debates. Of course, they are all important, and they take much of our time. But hidden behind the headlines are the hearings and debates on dozens of other important, albeit smaller, matters before the Congress. This year is no exception. I have taken action by supporting the passage of several pieces of legislation. They may not make headlines, but many will make a real difference. I have outlined a few of the bills here. In the coming weeks, as committee hearings are scheduled, you should hear more about them in the media. • The Prisoners Frivolous Lawsuit Prevention Act of 1999 (H.R. 461) puts an end to ridiculous lawsuits filed by prisoners. Bored "jailhouse lawyers" file lawsuits over frivolous items such as prison accommodations and access to exercise equipment. These suits clog the courts and prevent legitimate lawsuits from being heard. Our bill will make it more difficult for prisoners to file these frivolous suits. • Marriage Tax Elimination Act of 1999 (H.R. 6) is a simple, straightforward idea whose time has come. It will eliminate, once and for all, the tax penalty unfairly placed on a married couple. When the bill passes, it will lower the tax rate on a couple’s income to