Hello,

Not sure if anyone has seen this yet, but American Citizens in Switzerland Working Group (consisting of ACA, Democrats Abroad, Republicans Abroad) have issued the report below, summarizing the key points discussed during the series of town hall meetings held with the US Ambassador this spring.

http://amiswg.org/uploads/AMISWG_Cov...er__3_2012.pdf

It is an excellent summary of key issues affecting US Citizens in Switzerland, such as FATCA, access to basic banking services, double taxation, strain on binational marriages resulting from reporting requirements, etc... It also captures the anger, fear, and frustration that was expressed during the meetings (I went to the one in Zurich) The report ends with some recommendations: eliminate citizen-based taxation, repeal FATCA, establish direct congressional representation for US citizens abroad, etc...

The report has been addressed to all members of Congress and will hopefully raise awareness on the problems US citizens are encountering as a result of US' poorly desgined policies and extraterritorial laws. But I'm not really holding my breath that anything will come out of this before the election.

As a side note it's bitter sweet to see Andy Sundberg's (RIP) signature and bio on the report. He was one of the moderators at the Zurich meeting and emphatically made the point that US citizens abroad need direct congressional representation. This report is one of his last documented, on public record, contributions to the cause of US citizens abroad.

Like many other well-meaning letters, I fail to see how this one will stand out.

The key question that will get the attention of congressmen is: "How will this issue affect me personally and my reelection in my congressional district?"

This letter clearly doesn't address this.

I'm afraid I have to agree. And if, by some miracle, we were granted any representation it would probably be 1 HoR and 1 Senator to cover the whole 7 million Americans abroad. I can't see that they would make much difference even if they existed.

As the prevalent view in the US seems to be that anyone who doesn't live there must be on some sort of tax scam, otherwise why wouldn't they want to live in this wonderful country, I doubt this will change anything.

It's definitely frustrating, and efforts feel futile, but I really do appreciate the work they're doing on our behalf. Much better that suffering in silence. Thanks ASWG team!!