But even Bush recognizes that he has to reshape the tax debate. In television commercials and in appearances, he has started to emphasize that his tax plan also would protect Social Security and Medicare. The Valentine's gift The GOP leaders in Congress recognize their tax cut proposal last year didn't spark much interest among voters. It was so broad that no group of voters was particularly hungry for it Republicans say they've learned their lesson. They plan to offer several narrow tax cuts targeted for specific purposes.
Individual bills have a better chance.
The first will be the marriage penalty, which will be considered by the House of Representatives this week. GOP leaders plan to have the vote close to Valentine's Day so they can hype it as a gift to married couples. Republicans think the marriage penalty plan is an issue the Democrats can't afford to oppose. Clinton and some Democrats are backing a more limited marriage penalty plan. They say the GOP plan is irresponsible because it would spend one-fourth of the surplus and disproportionately help the richest Americans.