[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 183 (Thursday, November 9, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7125-S7126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                               Tax Reform

  Now on another matter, Mr. President, today Chairman Hatch will lay 
out his legislative proposal for tax reform. It is the product of a lot 
of hard work, dozens of hearings, and member input, and I look forward 
to its release later today.
  The release of this plan is another critical step toward providing 
relief to the middle class. Once it is unveiled,

[[Page S7126]]

the proposal will go through regular order in the committee. Senators 
on both sides will have the opportunity to offer amendments and work 
together to help hard-working families all across our country.
  This is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to lower taxes and shift 
the economy into high gear. In fact, tax reform represents the single 
most important thing we can do to spur growth and to help American 
families. With this tax reform plan, the American people will know that 
relief is on the way. For you and your family, we want to make taxes 
lower, simpler, and fairer. For small businesses, we want to make it 
easier to navigate the Tax Code, grow, and hire workers. And for all 
businesses, we want to make it an easy decision for them to bring 
investment and jobs home and to keep them here.
  As the Finance Committee continues to work on tax reform, both 
Republicans and Democrats will have the chance to offer their own ideas 
to make the bill better. I certainly hope they take it. The process 
isn't behind closed doors; it is out in the open for everyone to see 
and for everyone to take part.
  The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to finish their work 
on their legislative proposal soon. Under Chairman Brady's leadership, 
they have put a lot of good work into this.
  I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues in both the 
House and the Senate, along with President Trump and his team, on our 
mutual tax reform goals. Our main goal is this--this is what it is all 
about--we want to take more money out of Washington's pockets and put 
more money in the pockets of the middle class.
  In addition to the great work being done by Chairman Hatch in the 
Finance Committee, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, 
under the leadership of Chairman Murkowski, is taking important steps 
as well. The recent budget resolution gave the committee instructions 
to generate $1 billion of new revenue for the Federal Government. The 
committee has now unveiled legislation to do just that by further 
developing the oil and gas potential in Alaska in an environmentally 
responsible way. Their good efforts can produce important benefits to 
both the people of Alaska and to our entire country. I commend Chairman 
Murkowski for her efforts to support our Nation's energy security. This 
plan is a limited, responsible effort that can result in new jobs, a 
strong source of energy, and a boost to our economy, all while being 
responsible stewards of Alaska's environment. I look forward to the 
committee reporting this legislation next week as well.
  The Senate has many important items before it. Let's work together to 
get them done, fulfilling our commitments to the American people.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.