This is probably going to be news to those Americans earning $40,000, but the top Republican in the House says you don't pay taxes. The words of Speaker Dennis Hastert:
"Well, folks, if you earn $40,000 a year and have a family of two, you don't pay any taxes. So you probably, if you don't pay any taxes, you are not going to get a big tax cut."Maybe the Republicans don't know anyone who makes under $40,000. Or maybe they just don't care.
Be interesting if the GOPers heard just how much in taxes people making $40k and under actually pay.
UPDATE: Think Progress has the video of the Speaker making this outrageous claim.