Ranking Member Neal Opening Statement at Tax Policy Subcommittee Hearing on Fundamental Tax Reform Proposals

(Remarks as prepared)

Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this hearing today on fundamental tax reform proposals. We are all aware of the great need to reform our broken and inefficient tax code, while replacing it with a code that promotes job growth, lifts wages for all workers, and grows the middle class.

Mr. Chairman, tax reform cannot wait. The economy cannot wait. The American people cannot wait. Today's hearing is yet another in a long line of hearings that we have had on this matter.

I must express my frustration at a hearing that seemingly takes us backwards. The time for talk has passed. Now is the time for action. I would like to take a moment to commend former Chairman Dave Camp for putting forth an earnest effort at reforming our tax code. While there were parts of his plan I disagreed with, I agreed with the methodical bipartisan approach he used to produce his draft. This bipartisan effort included Members and stakeholders alike.

Now rather than building on this effort, we are instead holding yet another hearing on tax reform, instead of rolling up our sleeves and actually reforming the tax code. As time passes our code gets older, more inefficient and less competitive. Mr. Chairman, now is the time to finally get to work and put out a meaningful draft. Now is the time to reform our tax code.

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