Tax Reform Hearing Took Center Stage on Capitol Hill This Week

Fundamental tax reform took center stage on Capitol Hill this week, and as always, I was eager to have the conversation.  I was privileged to testify on the FairTax before the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Policy, as well as share the good news with Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady’s Tax Reform Idea Task Force.  What some may not know is that there’s a great deal of consensus in Washington and across the country that America desperately needs fundamental tax reform – in particular, reform that is consumption-based.  It’s that consensus that leads us to these vital conversations and ultimately to implementing the lasting solutions we need.

What you and I know, of course, is that the FairTax is that lasting solution for not only a tax code that works for the American people, but also spurs economic growth and restores taxpayer anonymity.  The FairTax not only fits the consumption-based criterion for which so many are looking, but it is already the most widely supported fundamental tax reform bill in Congress, and it is the only proposal that removes the old, punitive tax code by its roots.  If we continue to nibble around the edges of our existing structure, we may see bits of improvement, but we’ll absolutely see so many of the same flaws – and we can do better than that. 

Americans are leaders, and our tax policy should reflect our economic ambitions; not be a millstone around the neck of the American economy.  Our tax code can and should leverage our entrepreneurial spirit and reward our hard work.  Getting Washington out of the everyday decisions of American families and their businesses is the first step to unleashing America’s economic engine.  There’s a receptive climate to bold tax reform solutions right now, and the week’s activity is proof. 

The big things take time – and the FairTax is a big idea – but that’s exactly why it continues to grow and gain strength across the nation.  A movement driven by the American people is one that cannot be stopped, and I’m tremendously encouraged by the progress I see almost daily.  It is because of your partnership and dedication that the FairTax garners the kind of attention it does, and I’m grateful to Chairman Brady and Chairman Boustany for being committed to fundamental tax reform.  As a co-sponsor of H.R. 25, Chairman Brady’s partnership is invaluable, and yet more proof of the traction the FairTax has gained through your tireless efforts. 

To build on that progress, I joined 25 of my colleagues in asking the Chairman for full committee consideration of our bill, and this week’s hearing before the Tax Policy Subcommittee leaves me feeling very optimistic that we’ll have that opportunity in the near future. As we approach Tax Day, millions of Americans are again sorting through the myriad complexities and consequences of IRS regulations, but thankfully, the FairTax offers a light at the end of that tunnel, and we’re getting closer to making April 15th just another beautiful spring day.  
 
Congressman Rob Woodall serves the 7th district of Georgia, and is a member of the House Rules Committee, Budget Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  He received his law degree from the University of Georgia.  He first came to public service as a staffer for then Congressmen John Linder, serving as his Chief of Staff, and was elected to Congress in 2010.