New Democrat Coalition Members Urge Conference Committee to Abandon Partisan Path Forward on Tax Bill
Today, key Members of the New Democrat Coalition sent a letter to the Conference Committee asking them to abandon their partisan approach and instead pursue a true and serious bipartisan effort. The Members outline specific principles, which were endorsed by the full Coalition, that a truly bipartisan tax reform plan should include, and the tax bills passed by the House and Senate do not achieve these fundamental principles.
Our country is in dire need of a modern tax code, which is why the New Democrats support proposals that, if pursued in a bipartisan matter, can help us achieve true comprehensive tax reform. New Democrats put forward the following principles for a bipartisan, fiscally responsible tax plan:
- Put middle class families first;
- Support workers and enable them to invest in themselves and their jobs;
- Simplify the tax code to enable private sector growth and small business fairness;
- Promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and new business formation;
- Spur infrastructure investment and create good, well-paying jobs;
- Be fiscally responsible and built for long-lasting success by pursuing a bipartisan, transparent process.
The New Democrat Coalition has continued to offer to work with House Republicans on a truly bipartisan tax reform plan, and we need a plan that would simplify the system, support middle-class families, foster business development and job creation, encourage innovation, create opportunities for Americans to prosper in a 21st Century economy, and be fiscally responsible. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Members on both sides of the aisle to make this a reality for the families who need it most.
The letter was signed by the Tax Reform & Fiscally Responsibility Task Force Co-Chairs: Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) and the rest of the New Democrat Coalition Leadership Team: Reps. Jim Himes (CT-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jared Polis (CO-02), Ron Kind (WI-03), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Scott Peters (CA-52) and Kathleen Rice (NY-04).
Full letter can be found here and below:
December 06, 2017
Dear Chairmen Brady and Hatch, and Ranking Members Neal and Wyden,
The New Democrat Coalition recognizes the urgent need for comprehensive tax reform. A good plan would simplify the system, support middle-class families, foster business development and job creation, encourage innovation, create opportunities for Americans to prosper in a 21st Century economy, and be fiscally responsible.
Unfortunately, the tax bills passed by the House and Senate do not achieve these fundamental principles. Our country is in dire need of a modern tax code, which is why the New Democrats support proposals that if pursued in a bipartisan matter can help us achieve true comprehensive tax reform, including:
- Put middle class families first;
- Support workers and enable them to invest in themselves and their jobs;
- Simplify the tax code to enable private sector growth and small business fairness;
- Promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and new business formation;
- Spur infrastructure investment and create good, well-paying jobs;
- Be fiscally responsible and built for long-lasting success by pursuing a bipartisan, transparent process.
Middle class tax reform should promote economic growth without exacerbating the long-term fiscal situation, and must not place a higher tax burden on low and middle income families. The New Democrat Coalition has continued to offer to work with House Republicans on a truly bipartisan tax reform plan. We stand ready to work with the Conference Committee today if the conferees are willing to undertake a true and serious bipartisan effort.
Sincerely,
Donald S. Beyer Jr.
Bradley S. Schneider
Terri Sewell
Jim Himes
Suzan DelBene
Derek Kilmer
Jared Polis
Ron Kind
Gerald E. Connolly
Scott H. Peters
Kathleen Rice
CC: Conference Committee Members
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