[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 37 (Thursday, March 1, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1295-S1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                               Tax Reform

  Mr. President, on another matter, it has been just over 2 months 
since the united Republican government delivered historic tax reform to 
middle-class families all across the country. How is it working? We 
have all seen the national news. Walmart is giving raises or new 
benefits to more than 1 million hourly workers. Boeing is investing 
$300 million in workforce development and corporate giving. Apple is 
bringing hundreds of billions of dollars back home. But no less 
important are the stories making front-page news in hometown newspapers 
all across our country.
  Thanks to tax reform in North Lima, OH, Sheely's Furniture & 
Appliance is planning to issue $1,000 bonuses to full-time workers and 
expand the sales floor by 4,500 square feet.
  In Cushing, OH--population of 220 people--tax reform is allowing John 
Anfinson to give $1,000 bonuses and 5 percent pay raises to all of his 
employees at the farm store that his grandfather founded in 1918, 100 
years ago.
  ``I work every day shoulder to shoulder with everyone,'' Mr. Anfinson 
explained. ``When you work every day with a group of people, you know 
them and their family. . . . They are the most valuable asset in any 
business.''

[[Page S1296]]

  His customers will also likely be breathing easier. Tax reform is 
enabling farmers and ranchers across America to immediately expense the 
cost of important investments, and it is taking a big bite--a big 
bite--out of the death tax.
  Senators heard stories just like these during last week's State work 
period. Just ask Senator Toomey what tax reform is doing in 
Pennsylvania. He stopped by New Hudson Facades, a manufacturer in 
Linwood. Tax reform enabled them to increase wages by 5 percent, and a 
partner company is contributing $3,000 to every factory worker's 
401(k).
  How about in Montana? Senator Daines' trip across his State took him 
to Pacific Steel in Great Falls, where sales are up 25 percent--sales 
are up 25 percent--since tax reform passed.
  In West Virginia, Senator Capito joined a roundtable at the 
Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce. She heard from local business 
leaders about ``increased optimism.''
  In Nevada, 90 percent of the small business owners Senator Heller 
recently spoke with said they plan to raise wages, increase benefits, 
award bonuses, hire more workers, or invest in their operations.
  It is a shame our Democratic colleagues still haven't been able to 
extract themselves from their lockstep opposition to this historic law. 
If they had gotten their way, none of this good news would have 
happened--none of it. Only one of the Senators from Pennsylvania voted 
for the law that is allowing that Linwood manufacturer to expand. Only 
one Senator from Ohio voted for the new law that is helping those 
workers in North Lima. Only one Senator from Nevada voted to give small 
businesses the flexibility to invest more in their employees. Only one 
Senator from West Virginia and one Senator from Montana voted to take 
money out of Washington's pocket and put it back in the pockets of the 
middle class.
  Every single Senate Democrat--every one of them--did all they could 
to block tax reform. Fortunately, every Republican voted to pass it. 
And because Congress passed tax reform and the President signed it into 
law, workers and small business owners are already reaping the 
benefits.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.