More Jobs. Fairer Taxes. Bigger Paychecks

SEN. GRASSLEY: ‘Goal Is To Make The Tax Code Simpler, Fairer And More Competitive’

SEN. CHUCK GRASSLEY (R-IA): “A major undertaking like tax reform takes the bully pulpit of the presidency to start a debate with Congress and the American people.  President Trump deserves credit for making tax reform and relief a priority.  The framework released today shows Congress is committed to fulfilling its role as the legislative branch of government.  Next, the committees of jurisdiction will do the work to fill out the details of the framework and pass legislation that will get to the President’s desk.  Our current outdated tax code puts U.S. businesses at a disadvantage in the global economy.  Tax policy ought to help put U.S. job creators at the front of the pack.  Small businesses create most new jobs.  The framework would increase their opportunity to do that.  For farmers and family businesses, the framework would repeal the estate tax.  That’s a matter of fairness to those who have lived frugally and invested every penny in their land or business.  They shouldn’t be penalized for that.  For individuals, I’ve never met anybody who wants to spend more time or money doing their taxes.  We should do everything we can to put taxpayers in the driver’s seat of how they use more of their own money.” (Sen. Grassley, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. PAT ROBERTS (R-KS): “There is widespread, bipartisan agreement on the need for tax reform… Our tax code is burdensome, confusing and outdated. Many Kansas families are living paycheck to paycheck and need tax relief. They should be able to keep more of their hard-earned dollars to spend as they see fit. … Tax reform is especially critical to grow small and medium sized businesses which are the major job creators in Kansas… Farmers and ranchers can benefit from reforms to expensing requirements and by elimination of the death tax. Tax reform will also allow American companies to be more competitive in a global economy and keep jobs from going overseas.” (Sen. Roberts, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. TIM SCOTT (R-SC): “When we think about tax reform the question that comes to mind -- what is this really about for the average person back at home? I think of one of my constituents, Sheri, who is a single mom; two kids, working very hard -- needing more of her take- home pay. Tax reform is about making sure that the Sheris of the world, the single mothers of the world, have an opportunity to see more of their money stay in their paycheck because we're taking less of it out of their paychecks. It reminds me of my mother who raised two boys as a single mother. When we talk about tax reform, we should remember the second component of tax reform -- it's about growing our economy so that the jobs of the future are created and manifested here at home. If I could say it as simple as possible, I would say that this tax reform conversation is about #keepyomoney.” (Sen. Scott, Press Conference, 9/27/2017)

SEN. DEAN HELLER (R-NV): “Whether it’s the teacher in Las Vegas who is worried about stagnant wages or the college student in Reno who is struggling to get his business off the ground, Nevadans have been waiting for an affordable tax code that they can understand… As a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I’m optimistic that our unified framework will help us draft a proposal that allows Nevadans to keep more money in their back pockets and leads to more jobs and higher wages in our Nevada communities. After eight years of historically low growth under the previous Administration, it’s time to get our economy back on track so we’ll also work to boost American competitiveness so that our workers and small businesses can win on the international playing field. Our unified framework is a positive step toward achieving tax relief for Nevada families and Americans everywhere, and now Congress must act.” (Sen. Heller, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. MIKE ENZI (R-WY): “America’s tax system is a complicated mess that is slowing our economy and hurting American families, plain and simple. Congress has the opportunity to right the ship by passing real tax reform that will make our tax code simpler and fairer for all Americans. We can help jumpstart our economy by providing pro-growth tax relief that will put more money in the hands of working families across the country. This would mean more jobs. More jobs leads to competition to get workers and that drives up wages. We need to get our country’s economy back on track. … Hard working Americans deserve better. A system that works for everyone, that will promote higher wages, more jobs and business growth in our country and put more money in the pockets of each and every American so they can make their own decisions.” (Sen. Enzi, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX): “This plan lays the foundation for a simpler tax code that will enable Texans to keep more of what they earn and help create jobs here at home.  As Congress continues to work on reforming our antiquated tax code, working families and small businesses in Texas are my top priority.  I look forward to working with my colleagues and the President to enact reforms that spur economic growth and put money back in the pockets of hardworking Texans.” (Sen. Cornyn, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. JOHN THUNE (R-SD): “The Obama era brought higher taxes, more regulations, and a stagnant economy. Congress now has the opportunity to implement pro-growth tax reform policies and provide relief to working families. The administration together with Speaker Ryan, Leader McConnell, and leaders of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee have produced a framework that gives us the ability to do just that. Working Americans across the country are living paycheck to paycheck. We must deliver on tax reform policies that will lead to more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks. I look forward to working with President Trump, leaders in both chambers of Congress, and my fellow members of the Finance Committee to ensure our reforms make it to the president’s desk for his signature.” (Sen. Thune, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. RICHARD BURR (R-NC): “I’m very encouraged by the tax reform framework released today. With roughly half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, the time to reform our broken tax code is now. We have a rare opportunity to bring relief to those who need it most by simplifying the code, unleashing the economy, promoting growth, and putting money back in the pockets of millions of North Carolinians and hardworking Americans. Today’s framework is an important step towards reaching these goals, and I look forward to working with Chairman Hatch and fellow members of the Senate Finance Committee as we use this framework to produce the vital legislation that our country needs.” (Sen. Burr, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. JOHNNY ISAKSON (R-GA): “Today’s announcement is the result of years of work by our committee to overhaul the U.S. tax code and provide meaningful tax relief for middle-class Americans while boosting our economy… Our competitiveness as a nation is at stake. By simplifying our broken tax code and leveling the playing field, we can help strengthen America’s standing in the global marketplace, increase domestic economic growth, create more jobs with higher wages, and provide tax relief for hardworking Georgians. I also appreciate the commitment by Congressional leaders and the president to move this important measure through the regular legislative process, which improves transparency and leads to a better final product… I look forward to taking an active role in this overhaul as members of Congress and the administration work together to enact comprehensive tax reform for the good of our nation.” (Sen. Isakson, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. ROB PORTMAN (R-OH): “This is a big day for our country, our economy, and our efforts to create more jobs and provide better wages for all Americans.  While our economy has been improving, not every American is feeling the effects of that improvement.  Too many Ohio families are facing the middle-class squeeze of stagnant wages and a higher cost of living.  They deserve relief, and a strong economy that enables them to live out their God-given potential. Our current tax code encourages U.S. companies to take jobs and investments overseas.  The United States is falling behind while other countries are attracting more investment and more jobs at our expense.  That is unacceptable.  Our reform effort will encourage more investment in America, bring jobs home, and give American workers a competitive advantage. ...  I’m optimistic about the prospects for getting tax reform signed into law this year.  Working together, we can simplify our tax code in a common-sense way to increase investment here in America, create more jobs & increase wages for American workers.” (Sen. Portman, Press Release, 9/27/2017)

SEN. PAT TOOMEY (R-PA): “I see this as an amazing opportunity and responsibility. Enacting legislation consistent with this framework will allow us to achieve the growth that we've been waiting so long to achieve. There's nothing normal about two percent growth for the United States of America. We're capable of so much more. When we get this right, I am confident that we will achieve robust growth. What that means for the hardworking families that I represent all across Pennsylvania is a direct pay raise when we lower their direct tax burden. It also means an indirect pay raise as more jobs are created and more businesses are launched. Upward pressure on wages allows people to have a higher standard of living. I am really excited about this opportunity and I am confident that we are going to seize the moment.” (Sen. Toomey, Press Release, 9/27/2017)