It’s taken the country more than 100 years to make the Tax Code as complicated as it stands today.
And yet, in clear DC fashion, Congress is making noise about reforming the code… in a mere two and a half months. Ah, the pandering optimism of Congress.
The so-called “super committee” of 12 members of Congress has until November 23 come up with a deficit reduction plan that includes at least $1.5 trillion in cuts. Those cuts will be subject to an up or down vote before the holidays; if that doesn’t happen, across the board cuts will kick in.
The super committee is chaired by Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA). They are joined by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT); Sen. John Kerry (D-MA); Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ); Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH); Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA); Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA); Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC); Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI); Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI); and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
Those folks have a big task ahead of them. A group of senators wants to make it even bigger.
A group of senators has approached the committee about going beyond the mandate to reduce the deficit and tackle issues such as reforming the Tax Code.
That’s right. Reform. In two months. That’ll happen.
(*Turns head to the side and coughs*)
I’m all about tax reform. I think our Tax Code is growing out of control with too many loopholes, exceptions and band-aid provisions (AMT, anyone?) that bog down the economy and confuse and frustrate taxpayers.
But this is a Congress that can’t agree on airline taxes, tax cut extensions.
And yet, they’re talking big changes. And using lots of other b words, like brave and bold.
Hmm. Sound bytes.
How about these b words: Bipartisanship? Businesslike? Beneficial? I like those a lot better.
