The American people still have clout in the workingiof democracy – and they chose to use it when they believed members of Congress didn’t deserve a hel’ yr tax break they swarsan themselves last December. Responding to a barrage of protest mail and widespread editorial criticism, the House voted 35543 last week to repeal an amendment that allowed a $75-per-day tax deduction for Washington living expense. In doing so, congressmen followed the lead of the Senate which voted 70-23 for repeal May 27. Without substantial debate, Congress approved the tax break amendment in the final days before Christmas recess, attaching it to an unrelated Black Lung bill. The measure instructed the Intemal Revenue Service to develop rules for congressional tax deductions and the IRS set an automatic $75 deduction for each day Congress is in ‘session. That amounted to more than $19,000 in 1981. representing a tax saving up to $7,000 for a typical member. The action and backdoor legislative route were unpopular from the first. The IRS received more than 34,000 protest letters. Thousands more were directed to members of Congress. To their credit, numerous senators and representatives took immediate exception. A number introduced bills for repeal. Some lawmakers did not take the automatic deductions available under the amendment. Obviously the mood of the taxpayers – especially in an election year – influenced the one-sided repeal votes in House and Seante. Sen. John C. Stennis, DMiss., noted that Congress is made to look had by regular efforts to raise its pay of tax deductions. ” very time we bring this up and air it, people think less of our ability. and, I think, our motives.” In part. Congress brings criticism upon itself when it takes a circuitous route such as attaching a rider to another bill and limiting debate. The December action especially was open to criticism. coming at a time of faltering economy when Americans are being asked to tighten their belts. While the lawmakers deserve much credit for recanting on a tax break that means a great deal to them, they would have earned more respect had they brought the issue to a head early in this session when repeal bills first were introduced. rather than waiting for public pressure to build. V As a general rule, the taxpayers are more inclined to support public servants in a pay or expense boost when the facts are made public in advance, debated fully, and an open vote is held. The Senate repeal bill would restore a $3,000 annual deduction enacted in 1954 and dropped in 1981. The House instructed its conferees to accept the Senate language when the two sides meet to work out differences in the hill. It seems unlikely the public would take exception to that, since it’s obvious members of Congress must incur a great deal of extra expense to maintain a Washington residence. The option under the old provision that allows a member to deduct legitimate Washington expense, as long as it can be substantiated, ought to be retained. Now that elimination of the controversial tax break is virtually assured, the public should not relax its vigilance. but focus on other issues deemed in need of attention.