Victims' relatives visit Congress, ask for tax relief

WASHINGTON -- Relatives of people killed in the terrorist attacks converged on the Capitol Wednesday to appeal for a tax bill to help them recover from financial losses resulting from Sept. 11.

"We come here today with one thing in mind: We want some assurance, we want some ease, we want some pressure taken away from us," said Nikki Stern of Princeton, N.J. Her husband, James Potorti, was killed at the World Trade Center.

The relatives say many of the nearly 3,500 people killed in the attacks were the primary providers for families that face uncertain financial futures despite the nation's huge charitable outpouring.

Both houses of Congress have passed tax-relief measures for victims. The relatives -- 12 wives, a father, a son and a brother-in-law of victims -- traveled to Washington in hopes of forcing passage of the Senate's broader version before Congress leaves for Christmas recess.

"I want to put a human face on a tax bill," said Ginny Bauer of Rumson, N.J., whose husband, David, died at the World Trade Center. "We are all in financial limbo right now."

House Republican leaders said they will take up a modified version of the bill on Tuesday, one that is closer to the Senate's broad approach.

But differences remain. Sen. Robert Torricelli, D-N.J., sponsor of the Senate's broad approach, said House Republican leaders were reluctant to expand tax relief to payroll taxes.

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