Reflecting the wishes of the American people, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today voted to support a proposal to require the collection of unpaid taxes from federal employees. The measure was the result of Americans reaching out to Congress through the YouCut website that turns cost-cutting suggestions into legislation.

“I find it disturbing that some in Washington are calling for tax increases when some federal employees are delinquent on their own taxes. We should be collecting all the tax revenue that is currently owed, especially from federal employees who receive their paychecks from taxes paid by American families and businesses,” Luetkemeyer said. “Washington also needs to get serious about cutting spending. We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem.”

The IRS reported in 2008 that more than 97,000 federal employees were delinquent on their federal income taxes and owed almost $1 billion in unpaid taxes. All Americans have an obligation to pay their share of taxes and federal employees should lead by example. If federal employees refuse to meet their tax obligation, the government should be allowed to terminate their employment and prohibit the hiring of future federal employees who are determined to have a “seriously delinquent tax debt.” Currently, only the IRS can terminate their employees for non-payment of federal income taxes. This should be expanded to include all political appointees and civil service employees.”

On the YouCut website each week, Americans have the opportunity to vote on a spending cut, and shortly after all the ideas are processed, Luetkemeyer and his colleagues seek a vote on the most popular spending cut. Luetkemeyer is encouraging folks to visit http://republicanwhip.house.gov/YouCut/and help Washington control government spending.

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