NAM calls tax principles a real path forward

Turbulent two weeks aside, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) sees a “path forward” for the Trump administration and GOP-led Congress. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, speaking recently on the joint principles for tax reform issued by the White House and leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives, commended leaders for coming together “for America’s manufacturing workers.”

“Their unified statement is the most promising sign yet that tax reform will happen this year — and that Americans can trust that their jobs and their paychecks are the top priority,” Timmons said, adding there was finally “a real path to more take home pay for millions of Americans, more money for savings and our children’s future.”

“We have a real chance to build a solid economic foundation in the United States that will generate more jobs, more investment and more growth — and greater wealth that can be shared by all.”

Timmons condemned the current tax system for “pummeling manufacturers in America, putting us at a serious disadvantage compared to the rest of the world.”

Timmons continued: “For our jobs and our future, we need a competitive tax code that allows us to win for America. President Donald Trump’s tax reform principles, outlined in April, should be the basis for discussions moving forward to accomplish this goal. It’s pass or fail time for our leaders in Washington. Manufacturers will fight — with everything we have — to help the President and Congress make the grade.”

Republicans are staking their hopes on tax reform in light of their failure to repeal ObamaCare after making it part of their legislative agenda for seven years. But the GOP may not be able to let healthcare reform go quite yet as a recent Politico/Morning Consult poll found 67% of Republican voters want Congress to continue pursuing repeal and replace efforts.