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H.R.188 / 106th Congress

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow penalty-free withdrawals from IRAs for certain purposes, to increase the amount of tax deductible IRA contributions, and for other purposes.

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E34)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 6, 1999

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit penalty-free distributions from an individual retirement account (IRA) for long- term care services and to pay certain medical expenses of certain lineal descendants and ancestors. Excludes from gross income certain distributions which are repaid. Expands penalty-free withdrawals for the unemployed for health insurance premiums. Increases deductible IRA contribution amounts, and provides for inflation indexing. Eliminates the phase-out for individuals who are not active participants in defined contribution plans, and increases applicable dollar amounts for taxpayers other than those married filing separately. Increases 401(k) plan contribution limits. Establishes an alternative method for satisfying nondiscrimination requirements. Excludes inherited IRAs and certain 401(k) plans from a decedent's gross estate. Allows a designated beneficiary of an inherited IRA to hold such IRA free of immediate distribution provisions. Allows inherited 401(k) amounts as nondeductible contributions to a beneficiary's IRA, and excludes such amounts from income if so contributed.

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Who introduced it

Rep. McCollum, Bill [R-FL-8] · R–FL

Committees

  • Ways and Means Committee
2 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E34)

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Jan 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.188 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.188 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.188 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.188 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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