Congressman's Bill Would Penalize Countries That Dodge Taxes

Congress should cut foreign aid to countries that refuse to pony up for property taxes and parking fines that their diplomats accrue when in America, according to Rep. Vito Fossella, a Republican who represents parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn.

Mr. Fossella is introducing legislation that would take 110% of the money owed by offending nations out of their annual foreign-assistance package. The move comes after a federal judge ordered India, the Philippines, and Mongolia, to pay $57 million in back taxes that they owed on property in New York City.

"Our laws apply equally to all people, regardless of whether the individual is a diplomat, a schoolteacher, or a construction worker," Mr. Fossella said yesterday in a statement. "As guests of the United States, foreign nations should show New York City the respect it deserves by following our laws and accepting full responsibility if they fail to do so."