Steven Camarota: Illegal immigrants would get $10.5 billion from reconciliation bill
The budget reconciliation package pushed by Democrats creates a new expanded child tax credit (CTC) that would pay illegal immigrants some $10.5 billion next year. All immigrants with children are eligible, regardless of how they got here and whether their children are U.S.-born. This includes the roughly 600,000 unaccompanied minors and persons in family units stopped at the border in FY2021 and released into the country pending a hearing. Cash welfare to illegal immigrants is not just costly; it also encourages more illegal immigration. Although it is referred to as a “refundable credit,” the new CTC, like the old additional child tax credit (ACTC) it replaces, pays cash to low-income families who do not pay any federal income tax. The new program significantly increases the maximum cash payment from $1,400 per child to $3,600 for children under 6, and to $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. After 2022, the maximum payment would be $2,000 per child, but advocates hope the much larger payments will be extended. In an analysis conducted in October, my colleague Karen Zeigler and I estimated that illegal immigrants with U.S.-born children would receive $8.2 billion from the new CTC. However, we had assumed that the new program, like the old ACTC, would require children claimed as dependents to have Social Security numbers (SSNs). But reconciliation (page 1452, line 14) would permanently repeal this requirement. Illegal immigrants are able to receive benefits on behalf of their U.S.-born children, who are American citizens. In the case of the old ACTC, they simply acquired an individual taxpayer identification number, which is not hard, and then claimed their payment. In practice, only illegal immigrants with U.S.-born children could receive payments under the old system, since as American citizens those U.S.-born children receive SSNs. The permanent elimination of the SSN requirement means that even illegal immigrants whose children are also illegally in the country can receive the new expanded credit. If the reconciliation bill is passed, we now estimate illegal immigrants whose children are also illegally in the country will receive $2.3 billion from the new CTC, for a total of $10.5 billion in cash payments to illegal immigrant parents. This includes illegal migrants here in 2020 and those stopped and then released into the country in 2021. These payments are not related to the huge cash settlements the administration is planning to pay illegal immigrant families separated at the border during the Trump administration. Receipt of payments under the new CTC would be all the easier because reconciliation also eliminates the work requirement of the old ACTC for next year. In the past, some illegal immigrants who worked off the books sometimes had trouble demonstrating employment income. Dropping the work requirement makes it even simpler for them to receive payments. These payments represent an enormous inducement to illegal immigration. We estimate that 78% of illegal immigrants with children have income low enough to receive cash payments averaging $5,300 per family, or about $2,600 per child next year. To place these numbers in perspective, the median income in the current top illegal immigrant-sending countries of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador is $3,000 to $4,000 a year. The cash payment we are offering to virtually anyone who arrives with a child, whether they work in the United States or not, is roughly equal to – or in some cases exceeds – what migrants could earn in their home countries in one year. In addition to creating large costs for taxpayers and encouraging illegal immigration, the elimination of the SSN requirement would seem to be an invitation to fraud, as tax filers now simply need to provide a name and date of birth for a child. The only other requirement is that they check a box on their returns indicating they lived in the United States for half a year, though there is no enforcement mechanism for this provision. Partly in response to a 2011 report from the Inspector General for Tax Administration showing that illegal immigrants made extensive use of tax credits, Congress included provisions in both the 2015 PATH Act and the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act designed to restrict illegal immigrant receipt of such programs. This included the requirement that the qualifying child have an SSN. The budget reconciliation effectively undoes those changes. To be sure, most illegal immigrants who come to America do in fact work. But the welfare benefits we give to them certainly incentivizes even more illegal immigration. The list of things we have failed to do to enforce our immigration laws is so long that it can’t even be summarized here. But if we want to understand why a record 1.7 million people were apprehended at the border in FY 2021, we need to look no further than the large cash payments the House plans to give illegal immigrants. Steven Camarota is director of research at the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, D.C.
Katie Britt emphasizes support for small businesses
On Monday U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt released a statement outlining her support for small businesses and opposing new governmental lockdowns or mandates related to COVID-19 in Alabama. “Small businesses are the backbone of our state and the lifeblood of our local communities,” said Britt. “The SBA classifies 99.4% of Alabama businesses as small businesses. Growing up as the daughter of two small business owners from the Wiregrass, I know firsthand that the actions at all levels of government impact the bottom-line for job creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators across our great state. As Alabama’s next U.S. Senator, I will fight tirelessly to slash red tape and roll back burdensome regulations, allowing small businesses and hardworking Alabama families to thrive in safe, strong communities.” Britt has spoken out against Sen. Ron Wyden’s plan to substantially curtail the Small Business Deduction, which allows many small businesses to deduct 20% of their income. This measure, created in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, is set to expire in 2025. According to the NFIB, more than 80% of small business owners say the Small Business Deduction is important to their operations. “Curtailing the Small Business Deduction would represent an effective tax hike at a time when small businesses can least afford it,” stated Britt. “Not only would I proudly oppose any vote to raise taxes in the Senate, but I firmly believe we must make the Small Business Deduction permanent and eliminate restrictions that limit which industries qualify. Alabama has a diverse economy, and all of our tremendous small businesses should be on a level playing field when it comes to treatment by the federal government. This means continuing to simplify our tax code so that small businesses have certainty and clarity, which in turn will give them greater confidence to reinvest in the growth of their businesses and communities.” Britt also commended Governor Kay Ivey for rejecting suggestions that Alabama could be headed towards shutting back down. This comes after a report published last week stoked concerns that “new lockdowns in Alabama” could soon be called for. Britt commented, “I’m 100% against a new lockdown of any form or fashion. Vaccines are readily available to all Americans, and I encourage my fellow Alabamians to get vaccinated. Just as the case has been throughout the pandemic – but especially now – personal responsibility is the solution, not governmental mandates. We need to use freedom to combat COVID-19, not combat freedom because of COVID-19. I am confident that the state of Alabama will not shut back down or bring back a mask mandate. Our great state is open for business, and I’ll fight to not only keep it that way but also to grow jobs and opportunity for all hardworking Alabamians, no matter their zip code.”
Bradley Byrne: What is Tax Reform 2.0?
Since Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act last year, the American economy is booming, and Alabama families have more money in their pockets. By lowering taxes and simplifying the tax code, we have unlocked our economic potential and made life better for hardworking Americans. The economic numbers speak for themselves: higher wages, lower unemployment, more jobs, bigger paychecks, employee bonuses, and much more. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the average family in Southwest Alabama will see their tax bill decrease by $2,187 a year. The good news is that we aren’t stopping here. This week, the House is expected to vote on additional changes and improvements to the tax code, something we are calling Tax Reform 2.0. Working with President Donald Trump, we will continue to make the tax code even fairer and more competitive. Tax Reform 2.0 includes three major pieces. Here’s a quick overview. First, we want to make the tax cuts for small businesses and middle-class families permanent. Due to Democrat obstruction and arcane rules in the Senate, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was only able to lower taxes for ten years. Under Tax Reform 2.0, we will make the tax cuts permanent. The non-partisan Tax Foundation found that making the middle-class and small business tax cuts permanent will create 1.5 million new jobs and increase gross domestic product (GDP) by 2.2 percent. This further expands our economy and makes life even better for families and small businesses. Making these changes permanent, will also lock-in the simpler tax filing process. As you may remember, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act simplified the tax code to the point where many Americans are now able to complete their taxes on a postcard-style form. A Tax Foundation study shows that this will save Americans between $3.1 to $5.4 billion in compliance costs. Instead of needing an accountant to navigate the complicated code, most Americans will be able to file on their own. Second, Tax Reform 2.0 promotes family savings and helps more Americans plan for retirement. Currently, too many Americans have been unable to save for retirement or put money aside to cover unforeseen emergencies. We want to help small businesses provide retirement plans to their workers by allowing small businesses to join together to create a 401(k) plan more affordably and by giving employers more time to put new retirement plans in place. Just as important, we will help more workers participate in retirement plans by exempting small retirement accounts from mandatory payouts and by eliminating the age limit on IRA contributions. We don’t stop there. Tax Reform 2.0 will create and expand additional programs to help Americans save. For example, our plan creates a new savings account to offer a fully flexible savings tool that families can use at any time right for them, expands 529 education savings accounts, and creates a new baby savings program to help with the birth of a new child or an adoption. Finally, Tax Reform 2.0 will help grow the economy by promoting start-up businesses and spurring innovation. We do this by allowing new businesses to write off more of their initial start-up costs and by making it easier for start-ups to bring in new investors. America must lead the way on innovation. As you can tell, Tax Reform 2.0 builds upon our efforts in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to ensure the American economy remains strong. We do that by allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. I fundamentally believe our country is the strongest when money is with the people instead of the government. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
State issues guidance on how Donald Trump’s tax cuts will impact on Alabama
The Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) on Tuesday issued its preliminary guidance on the impact of the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) to the State of Alabama. Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 2017, the TCJA enacted changes across the board to the federal tax system for both businesses and individuals, primarily for tax years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2018. According to ADOR’s 50-page guidance, “the overall impact of the federal changes as it relates to Alabama income taxes is unknown until all provisions are in effect.” In fact the guidance is preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available, including additional federal guidance and input from other tax administrative agencies and/or the private sector. The guidance addresses whether, and how, the provisions of the TCJA are tied to Alabama’s taxing regime, as they relate to individuals (including sole proprietors), corporations, and financial institutions. “Since the Alabama corporate income tax is tied to the definition of federal taxable income ‘as in effect from time to time’, much of the fiscal impact of the TCJA on our corporate income tax revenues is automatic,” Bruce Ely, a tax attorney and partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Birmingham, Ala., told Bloomberg Tax. “In contrast, our individual income tax scheme selectively conforms to the IRC counterpart and is outdated in many respects, so benefits like the new Section 199A deduction for owners of pass-through entities apparently won’t carry over into Alabama law—at least not without curative legislation.”
PSC commissioners vote to save Alabama Power customers $337 million
Alabama Power customers have something to celebrate. On Tuesday, the Alabama Public Service Commission unanimously voted to save them $337 million over the next two years. Their decision stems from President Donald Trump signing into law the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that Congress passed with the intention of bringing real relief to American families and businesses back in December. The Commission’s vote makes good on those intentions and guarantees that Alabama Power’s 1.4 million customers will reap the windfall from the president’s tax plan. “This is a great day for Alabama consumers and taxpayers,” President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh stated. “What a difference President Trump has made to reverse the out of control policies of the tax-and-spend-and-regulate Obama Administration.” More money in your wallet A typical residential customer for Alabama Power will see monthly bills reduced by more than $9 starting in July. The reduction to all customers’ bills totals $257 million through the rest of 2018. Customers will see their bills reduced by another $50 million in 2019 due to tax reform. Customers also will see fuel costs lowered by $30 million, bringing to $337 million the total reductions to their bills as a result of the Commission’s vote. “That is real money going back to Alabamians, who can spend it on things other than electric bills,” Commissioner Jeremy Oden said. “President Trump and Republicans in Congress deserve great praise for bringing real relief to Alabamians and all Americans.” The Commission worked with Alabama Power to guarantee no increases in the company’s base rates through 2020. Commissioners also modified the rate system governing the company, lowering the top end of the range and providing an allowable percentage to be used to maintain the Company’s credit rating that is necessary to control the overall cost of debt for Alabama Power customers. “This Commission is committed to protecting Alabama consumers,” Commissioner Chris “Chip” Beeker, added. “I am proud to have voted to return to ratepayers their hard-earned dollars.”
Bradley Byrne: A tax code that works
Each April, Americans across the country face great frustration and inconvenience in filing their taxes. Fortunately, this Tax Day marked the last time Americans would file their taxes under the old tax code. Thanks to passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Americans will now have a simpler and fairer tax code. I was proud to work with President Trump to reform our tax code and make the process easier for taxpayers. Starting next year, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will bring Americans relief when filing their taxes under a more streamlined, straightforward tax code. However, making the overall filing process simpler and more convenient was just one of the many ways we worked to create a tax code that benefits and works for the American people. One of the most important reforms under the new tax code is the doubling of the standard deduction. This provision increases the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples. Combined with new lower tax rates, almost every Alabamian should see a tax decrease. Also important, the new tax code prioritizes American families by doubling the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. It is no secret that raising a family is not cheap; so, this increase provides additional support for families struggling to pay for childcare and other necessary expenses associated with parenting. To provide even more support for families, the bill preserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, as well as the Adoption Tax Credit. Even more, the bill makes improvements to saving options for education by allowing parents to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary, and higher education. Most people will not have to wait until the next tax season to see the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Already, many hardworking Alabamians are seeing more money in their paychecks each month. That means your hard-earned money is ending up back in your pockets, rather than the coffers of the federal government. Tax reform has also helped spur overall economic growth. Our bill helps to level the playing field for American businesses, creating new job opportunities and finally causing wages to rise after years of stagnation. Many businesses have also handed out bonuses and improved benefits to their workforce. Since passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, I have had the pleasure of personally handing out bonus checks at multiple businesses in Southwest Alabama. Trust me, these workers were thrilled with the extra money. We aren’t stopping now either. The House passed a package of bills last week to help cut down on identity theft and to hold criminals accountable for IRS scams. It is important that these crooks be punished for trying to defraud hardworking Americans, including our nation’s senior citizens. Equally important, the House also passed bills to make the IRS more efficient, effective, and accountable. The IRS should be a customer-friendly organization that responds to the questions and concerns of the American people. In the past four months, we have seen tremendous growth right here in Southwest Alabama because of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. From our small business owners handing out bonus checks to our single-income families taking home extra money in their paychecks, evidence shows that allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money is a huge boom for our economy. As we bid farewell to an old, outdated tax code, Americans can rest easy knowing they have a simpler, fairer tax code to work with in the future. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Gary Palmer: Tax reform is giving back
On this Tax Day, I’m glad to think of the many families in America who are reaping the benefits of tax reform. Since its passage in December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has continued giving back to the American people in tangible ways. It has allowed families to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, lowered the corporate tax rate, enabled businesses to increase worker pay and benefits, and stimulated economic growth. I recently spoke on the House floor to share stories of how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has positively impacted Alabama’s sixth district. In case you missed it, the full speech can be watched here. I’d like to share some examples with you of how tax reform is giving back to the American people. The rewards are clear within Alabama and throughout the country. In the sixth district of Alabama, many organizations are raising pay, giving bonuses, and increasing their charitable giving. Regions Bank, also headquartered in Birmingham, has raised its minimum pay to $15 per hour, plans to contribute $40 million to their charitable foundation in 2018, and is increasing their capital expenditures by $100 million this year. Small businesses are also seeing benefits. Wadsworth Oil, a heating oil supplier in Clanton, recently gave over $22,000 in bonuses to its employees. Individual pay raises and increased financial flexibility for businesses will have positive effects across the sixth district. I have also heard from many constituents that the tax cuts are helping their families to pay monthly bills, make college tuition payments, and put away more in savings. For example, a Mountain Brook resident recently noted that she deposited a $1,000 bonus into her health savings account. Another constituent from Hoover shared that he now keeps more of his paycheck, which has allowed him to make payments toward his mortgage principal and contribute more to his 401(k). Finally, there is also general optimism about the economic future of America as a whole. In 2019, the majority of tax relief is projected to flow to families that make under $200,000 per year. Currently, unemployment rates are at their lowest since 1973, and 31,000 jobs were added to the labor market in February 2018 alone. Despite opposition, Republicans in the House and the Senate delivered a significant win for the American people with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I remain committed to building on this win by pursuing more policies that continue to strengthen the economy and give back to American families. ••• Gary Palmer represents Alabama’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. Congress.
Mike Rogers: Bigger paychecks and bonuses Across East Alabama
After over 30 years of working under an outdated tax code, local businesses and folks across East Alabama and the entire country, are feeling the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This important legislation passed the House with my strong support and was signed in to law by President Donald Trump this past December. The majority of folks will see an increase in their take home pay because of the lower tax rates and larger standard deduction. The federal tax withholding should also be less than before for most Americans. In addition to those seeing a bigger paycheck, over three and a half million Americans, as of writing, have received a bonus or raise as a direct result of the tax reform bill. Companies in the United States have distributed over $3 billion in bonuses. In the Third Congressional District, Russell Lands in Alexander City, gave $500 to each of its 500 employees after the bill became law. Recently, I visited Russell Lands Chairman Ben Russell and his employees to congratulate them. I also spoke on the House Floor to recognize this exciting news. Folks in Russell County are also benefitting from the legislation. Just over the Georgia line in Columbus, AFLAC, Synovus and Total System Services each gave their employees bonuses because of the bill. Further, Regions Bank in Birmingham, Cogent Building Group in Point Clear and DTI in Mobile have also given bonuses to their employees. These bigger paychecks and bonuses can help families save for their kids’ college tuition, get a new washing machine or make a car payment. The money going back in folks’ pockets represents opportunity. As I said on the House Floor last week, “I don’t think you would ever hear the employees at Russell Lands calling their bonus: ‘crumbs.’” I would love to hear how this historic tax reform is helping you. ••• Mike Rogers is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. Sign-up for his e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like him on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow him on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com.
Martha Roby: Tax cuts for the New Year
This time around, the new year is offers something extra exciting for the American people. I’m pleased to report that Congress has finally passed our historic, pro-growth tax reform and Americans will soon being experiencing the benefits. After months of work, we have delivered on our promise to cut taxes, bring balance to the tax code, and jumpstart job growth. While the House passed its version of tax reform months ago, differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill had to be worked out in a conference committee. I was proud to support the final product and vote alongside my colleagues to send the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the President’s desk. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers individual tax rates and roughly doubles the standard deduction for individuals and married couples. That means less of your paycheck is subject to taxes beginning this year. The average, median-income American family will see about $2,100 in tax relief – not just one year, but annually. For moms and dads working to make ends meet, having a few thousand extra dollars in the budget can make a big difference. It’s your money to begin with and I believe you know how to spend it better than the federal government does. Another important aspect of our tax reform plan is lowering business taxes. A lot of people don’t realize that our effective tax rate for businesses is among the highest in the world. All that does is send jobs overseas and make it harder for small businesses to be successful. By lowering business taxes to a globally-competitive 21 percent, we can boost our economy and spur job growth here in the United States. While our bill eliminates many unnecessary and burdensome special-interest deductions, it also preserves a lot of the popular tax deductions people count on, including the student loan interest deduction, the deduction for teachers’ expenses, the medical expense deduction, the charitable giving deduction , the adoption tax credit, and the mortgage interest deduction. It doubles the Child Tax Credit to help working families, and it eliminates the Obamacare individual mandate tax penalty. After the bill passed, I joined my colleagues and the President at the White House to celebrate this monumental accomplishment. My children, Margaret and George were on break from school for the holidays, so they were able to be in Washington and attend the event with me. I am so thankful they were able to witness this historic moment. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce the tax burden on American families and grow our economy – and I’m glad we could deliver on this promise we’ve been making for so many years. A lot of misinformation has been spread by those who oppose this plan, and it’s generated some confusion about what our bill does and does not do. Regardless, I am confident the results will speak for themselves. The American people will know who was telling the truth when they see more money in their pockets and experience a growing economy thanks to our historic tax reform plan. I am proud that we were able to come together and deliver this relief to families and businesses just in time for 2018. Happy New Year! ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Bradley Byrne: A tax cut for Christmas
This Christmas, the American people received a gift that isn’t found underneath the tree but will be found in your pocketbook and paychecks over the coming years. I’m talking about passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act represents the first major overhaul of our nation’s tax code since 1986. The ultimate goal is to grow the American economy and put more money in your pockets. I firmly believe the money is better off in the hands of the American people instead of in the coffers of a bloated federal government. Consider this: the average family in Southwest Alabama will see their tax bill decrease by $2,187 a year. That’s extra money on a car payment. That’s additional savings for a child’s college. That’s money to help pay for home repairs. That’s real money. As part of our bill, we nearly double the standard deduction from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. Over 70% of tax filers in Southwest Alabama already take the standard deduction, so this will be a major boost for those people. Thousands more will pay less and won’t have to go through the burden of itemization. For families, the bill expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. With this change, families will have more money to help with the many expenses related to raising a child. We also preserve the adoption tax credit to encourage and support those who open their homes to an adopted child. In an important step to restore individual choice and freedom, the bill ends the tax penalty created under Obamacare for individuals who choose not to have health insurance. The federal government should not force someone to buy a private product or fine someone who finds their health care options too expensive. The bill also includes serious and substantial reforms to make the American economy boom again. For example, our current corporate tax rate of 35% is the highest in the industrialized world. This keeps businesses from expanding in America and has caused a number of major companies to leave our country altogether. Well, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% to help make us more competitive on the world stage. We are already seeing the benefits of this change with companies like AT&T, Comcast, Wells Fargo, and Boeing announcing that they will increase investment in our country, increase pay for their employees, and give out bonuses. Small businesses also win big under this tax plan with lower taxes and a fairer tax structure that does not punish “pass-through” businesses. The bill offers a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint small business income. In addition to the major tax reforms, the bill also includes a provision important to the Gulf Coast that I championed. The provision would increase the money Gulf states are able to receive through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, which means more money will be headed to our local coastal communities. There are many other positive provisions included in the tax plan, so I encourage everyone to visit FairAndSimple.gop to learn more. At the end of the day, people right here in Southwest Alabama will be better off under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act thanks to bigger paychecks, a stronger economy, and more money in their pockets. That’s a Christmas gift we can all get excited about! • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
US Senate passes historic tax reform legislation
The U.S. Senate passed the most historic rewrite of the nation’s tax laws in more than three decades Tuesday night by a 51-48 vote. The product of years of discussion, weeks of committee consideration and hours of floor debate, H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, will lower individual, small business, and corporate tax rates, double the standard deduction, repeal the Obamacare individual mandate, simplify the tax code, and dramatically increase the child tax credit. The Senate-passed report will receive a final vote in the House Wednesday morning before being sent to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature. Alabama’s senior U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby voted in favor of the legislation, saying its passage will help put money back in the pockets of the middle-class Americans who have earned it. “The Senate today passed historic legislation to deliver pro-growth, middle-class tax relief to the American people. This bill not only lowers individual and corporate tax rates, lightening the burden on small businesses, but it works to revitalize our economy – impacting current and future generations to come. Across the nation, this legislation will help create jobs, increase paychecks, and make the tax code simpler and fairer,” said Shelby. “I am proud that we are able to work together to fulfill our commitment to deliver real tax reform and put money back in the pockets of the middle-class Americans who have earned it. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change Americans’ lives for the better.” Alabama’s outgoing U.S. Sen. Luther Strange also voted in favor of the bill. “Tax relief is not pie in the sky. Today, it becomes reality for the American families working hard to make ends meet,” said Strange. “It becomes reality for the small businesses that serve as cornerstones of our communities. It becomes reality for job creators who know the power of American industry. Getting tax relief accomplished is the reason I came to Washington, and on behalf of Alabama, I was proud to cast my vote tonight.”
House passes Trump tax cuts; Alabama delegation splits on party lines
The House on Tuesday approved the most sweeping federal tax overhaul since 1986. The bill, which lowers income tax rates for families and businesses while closing special interest loopholes, passed by a 227-203 margin along party lines with all but one member of the Alabama delegation voting in favor of it. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act now awaits final passage by the Senate, which is expected later Tuesday. Here’s what the Alabama delegation had to say about their votes: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Today, we are giving the American people a huge Christmas present: lower taxes, a stronger economy, and more money in their pockets. This historic vote will pave the way for more jobs and bigger paychecks for families in Southwest Alabama and across the United States. A lot of hard work and countless hours went into making today’s vote possible, and I appreciate all those who had a hand in this historic moment. Here in the People’s House, we will continue to pursue policies that ease the burden of the federal government and make life better for American families. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce the tax burden on American families and grow our economy – and I’m glad we could deliver,” Roby said. “Under this legislation, a median income American family will get a tax cut of approximately $2,100 not just one year, but annually. It’s their money to begin with, and I believe families know how to spend it better than the government does. I look forward to the Senate swiftly passing this bill and the President signing it into law. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: After over 30 years, the day has finally come for this historic tax legislation to simplify our broken tax code. I was pleased the bill passed the House today with my strong support and look forward to seeing the relief it brings to hard-working families across East Alabama and America. The legislation will let Americans keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, will lower the corporate tax rate to make American businesses more competitive and will increase the Child Tax Credit. The bill also eliminates Obamacare’s individual mandate so that families can have more freedom in their health care decisions. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt This afternoon, I voted in the House of Representatives, to give back more money to Alabama taxpayers. Far too many of the people in Washington believe that the government should have a right to a high percentage of everything you earn. Those people are wrong. It is your money, and you should be able to keep even more of it. “This tax bill does the right thing. It doubles the child tax credit. It doubles the standard deduction. It keeps medical deductions and mortgage deductions, and more than 80% of the people in the 4th District of Alabama will receive a tax cut. This is also a jobs bill. By lowering the corporate tax rate, businesses are no longer rewarded for moving their businesses and jobs overseas where tax rates are cheaper. Our cumbersome, 20th Century tax code desperately needed updating. This bill achieves that goal. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: America faces a dangerous $20 trillion national debt and an unending string of $1 trillion/year deficits starting in just four years. Economic growth is critical to avoid a national debilitating insolvency and bankruptcy that could destroy an American economy it took our ancestors centuries to build. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cuts corporate and pass-through tax rates, allows full and immediate expensing of new equipment, and encourages companies to bring back overseas profits needed to spur investment in factories and jobs in America. Overall, these tax reforms make American job-creators more competitive in a cut-throat international marketplace, thereby protecting and creating even more jobs and bigger paychecks for struggling American families. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide a much needed tax break for hardworking Americans for the first time in 31 years. Our tax plan not only puts more money in the pockets of the American people, but will also launch economic growth. Over the previous eight years our economy only grew at an anemic 1.8 percent per year because businesses were shackled by a complicated and burdensome tax code that was designed for a 1986 economy. The tax reform bill the House just passed removes the shackles and brings our tax code up to date with today’s economy and with American families and workers. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: The GOP tax bill that passed the House today is a giveaway for the wealthy paid for by America’s working families,” said Rep. Sewell. “Real tax reform should put working families first, make our workforce more competitive, and it should simplify the tax code in a fiscally responsible way. Today’s tax bill does the opposite. In Alabama, the bill will give the richest one percent a $4,450 tax cut, while the bottom 80 percent will see a $117 tax increase. In total it will increase taxes for an estimated 545,000 working families in Alabama. This bill is a raw deal for working families, and it cannot in good conscience be called tax reform. I am deeply disappointed that Republicans threw away this opportunity for bipartisan cooperation.”
