(UTU National Legislative Office Letterhead not reproduced)

September 28, 2000

To: All Concerned

From: James M. Brunkenhoefer

You should be smiling because your efforts were successful. During today’s mark-up in the Senate Finance Committee, numerous amendments were offered – some well meaning and some mean-spirited – to H.R. 4844. All of the amendments failed and H.R. 4844 is still considered a clean bill.

This is an enormous accomplishment because it was the last bill with a tax title that is expected to be considered by this Congress. Many Senators were very angry that their pet projects were left behind. Some of the amendments that were offered and failed dealt with helping disadvantaged children. Another amendment dealt with drug prices. Other amendments that were offered would have merged the Railroad Retirement system with Social Security and would have maintained the current retirement age. All of them failed. This was because of your hard work and efforts.

The coalition is currently discussing the strategy for the next step. We will be providing more information as soon as it becomes available. Thanks for your good job.

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