Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 – the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which will help reform our broken tax code. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), a member of the Ways and Means Committee that drafted the legislation, released the following statement after it passed the House:

“After several years of working on tax reform, I am pleased to see the House has passed legislation that will permanently lower rates for hard-working individuals, families and businesses, along with preserving and expanding many popular tax provisions that will help folks keep more of their hard-earned money. We are one step closer to rewriting our broken tax code, one that will be fairer and simpler for all. Now, the Senate is beginning work on their tax reform legislation and I will continue to monitor it as it makes its way through the legislative process. Tax reform has a long way to go before coming law, so I encourage Kansans to read both pieces of legislation and contact my office with any thoughts – I always appreciate it.”

(Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFfacC0dBLY&feature=youtu.be) 

Congresswoman Jenkins’ House Floor Speech:

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise today in support of H.R. 1 – the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

As a CPA and member of the House Ways and Means Committee, reforming our tax code has been a priority of mine during my entire service in Congress. Our current tax code is broken and I’ve heard from thousands of Kansans in my district who are frustrated with the status quo. 

This legislation will not only reform our broken tax code, but it will permanently lower rates for hard-working individuals, families and businesses, while retaining and expanding many popular provisions, such as the dependent care assistance program. It also includes strong safeguards that keep the wealthy from gaming the system in an effort to pay less than their fair share.

On average, this legislation will help provide tax relief for all income groups across the board. If you don’t believe me, read the analysis from the Tax Foundation and the Joint Committee on Taxation – they agree.

And while individuals and families receive a much needed tax break, they will also notice that their wages are going up and more jobs are being created. Just the other day, AT&T announced they will be making a substantial investment in the United States once we enact tax reform. 

Folks are tired of the status quo. They are tired of a tax code that is confusing and once you figured it out, you realize that it actually penalizes hard-work and success.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act accomplished our goals of ensuring the rates are cut for lower and middle income Americans, simplifying the tax system, and expanding American competition within the global economy.

This is a rare opportunity to enact the kind of legislation that our constituents need and deserve to grow the economy and put more money in the pockets of hard-working Kansans.

Thank you, and I yield back.