The US Senate is expected to take up a measure to eliminate the so-called marriage penalty in the tax code when it resumes debate on the budget next week. Senator Ashcroft says the tax code penalizes some couples who marry by requiring them to pay more in taxes as a couple than they would by filing as individuals. Ashcroft says he looks forward to getting the legislation passed and signed by the president. Critics contend the legislation amounts to a tax break for the rich.
