Support the Stop Questionable, Unnecessary, and Excessive Allowances for Legislators (SQUEAL) Act, H.R. 4217 and S. 2033

On behalf of our activist community, I urge you to contact your representative and senators and them to support the Stop Questionable, Unnecessary, and Excessive Allowances for Legislators (SQUEAL) Act to cut perks for elected officials. This is a bicameral effort led by Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), sponsor of H.R. 4217, and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), sponsor of S. 2033.

Millions of everyday taxpayers are allowed to deduct unreimbursed travel expenses from their income taxes at the end of the year. This includes lodging, food, and certain other costs incurred while away from home. This provides some relief for hardworking families across the country come tax time.

Federal legislators, however, take advantage of this portion of the tax code to create an excessive loophole for themselves, punishing taxpayers across the country. For tax purposes, legislators define their home as their district. This means they can deduct ordinary expenses in Washington as a travel expense, despite the fact that they live and work months out of the year there.

The SQUEAL Act eliminates this unnecessary loophole from the tax code. When the American people voted to “drain the swamp,” it was to prevent career politicians from living off of lavish benefits for themselves like this one. This legislation is an important first step towards accomplishing that goal.

Because it’s time to send a stern, unequivocal message to career politicians, we hope you will contact your representative and senators and ask them to support the Stop Questionable, Unnecessary, and Excessive Allowances for Legislators (SQUEAL) Act, H.R. 4217 and S. 2033.

Sincerely,

Adam Brandon, President and CEO, FreedomWorks