GOP Chairwoman McClain Expresses Urgency, Optimism As House Moves On Reconciliation, TCJA Extension
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) hosted Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain (MI-09) for a conversation about the status of the budget reconciliation bill, key priorities for the extension of the Trump tax cuts, and an inside look at how Republicans plan to make good on their promise and deliver a bill to the President’s desk in short order.
With the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) looming at the end of the year, the pressure is on for Washington to find a way to extend – and if possible, make permanent – those tax cuts to protect prosperity and avoid what would be the largest tax hike in American history. AFP worked aggressively in 2017 in support of the original TCJA and has committed $20 million to this year’s effort to secure their renewal.
The event, moderated by Townhall.com editor and Fox News contributor Katie Pavlich, was held at AFP’s Freedom Embassy located in Washington, DC. Coinciding with National Small Business week, much of conversation zeroed in on the impact of the TCJA on small businesses and featured questions from Michigan small business owners who flew in to be there in person.
“As a business owner, you will pay less in taxes,” emphasized Chairwoman McClain. “Republicans believe in people. We believe you are the best stewards of your money. … It’s really a simple question: Do you think you’re better off keeping your money or do you want to give it to the government?”
Asked about the importance of getting the policy right combined with the urgency for action, Chairwoman McClain expressed optimism.
“We are fourth and inches right now,” said Chairwoman McClain. “[The TCJA] is the most unifying piece of reconciliation – extending or making permanent the Trump tax cuts. Everyone agrees on the end goal. It’s how we’re getting there.”
AFP President and CEO Emily Seidel opened the event with a similar message about acting quickly to give American families and businesses peace of mind to invest in themselves and their employees.
“In 2017, our biggest legislative priority was passing the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. Now, it’s keeping the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act,” said Seidel. “The margins are a little tighter and the pressure is on, but these are the moments AFP was built for. We know how important it is to get it done right and get it done fast.”
“Our organization and the millions of people we represent are fully committed to taking this looming tax hike off the table and paving the way for decades of prosperity,” Seidel continued.
The event comes on the heels of new polling released by AFP, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, showing broad support across party lines for extending the TCJA, with 84% of voters in favor of keeping the current tax rates in place (read more here).
Later this month, AFP is planning a National Day of Action that will feature door knocking across the country to rally support for extending the TCJA.
