Bipartisan Policy Center Event on Tax Reform

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and global security, and that tweaking income tax would not be enough to cause such economic growth.

Rep. Neal’s Remarks

Rep. Neal began by stating that the biggest problem in tax reform is that ideology often trumps workable solutions. He used the tax reform proposal put out by former Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) as a reference point for his remarks. Rep. Neal praised the Camp proposal for repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). However, he argued that the Camp proposal was ultimately too long and complex, and noted that 52 Republicans opposed the proposed tax on large banks.

Rep. Neal stressed that for tax policy reform to gain momentum, someone in the White House must campaign for it. He remarked that these people often are not interested in the specifics of tax policy, but rather, take an active interest in the general purpose and positive consequences of tax reform. Rep. Neal concluded his statement by reiterating that Congress must detach from fervent ideology and support policy that is proven to work.

Presidential Election

Rep. Pomeroy asked both Rep. Neal and Rep. Nunes about the lack of discussion about tax reform in the current presidential election. Rep. Neal responded first, stating neither presumptive nominee has released a substantive proposal on tax reform, and adding that the nature of the current campaign cycle leaves little time or space to discuss any substantive policies. He predicted that this pattern would continue into the general election. Rep. Nunes agreed with Rep. Neal, adding that the next White House administration would have to give a big push for tax reform in order to create momentum.