[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 169 (Thursday, October 11, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               TAX REFORM

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, it has been more than 9 months since 
Republicans passed the most sweeping tax reform in a generation. Here 
are just a few of the economic headlines we have seen since it took 
effect: consumer confidence at an 18-year high, faster year-on-year 
wage growth than at any point since 2009, and the lowest national 
unemployment since 1969--almost 50 years ago.
  Behind all of these numbers are middle-class families whose lives are 
changing for the better, and the effects are reaching all kinds of 
communities--even the places most neglected for nearly a decade by the 
Obama administration's so-called recovery.
  After years of investment and job creation being disproportionately 
concentrated in the biggest metropolitan areas, 2018 has been a 
different story. So far this year, it has been smaller and rural 
communities--smaller and rural communities--that have led the Nation in 
relative job growth. Out across the heartland, empty storefronts and 
stagnant local economies are giving way to vibrant transformation and 
new opportunities.
  So when we hear that States like Missouri are thriving again on the 
watch of the Republicans' pro-growth, pro-opportunity agenda, it really 
shouldn't come as a surprise. It shouldn't surprise us that Missouri's 
statewide unemployment rate has reached its lowest level since 2000--
the lowest unemployment in 18 years.
  News like this will not surprise anyone who has been listening to the 
accounts of Missourians, like Mary Beth Hartman, who runs a small 
construction company in Springfield. She says the new tax law has given 
her the flexibility to expand vacations and bonuses for her employees 
and invest half a million dollars in new equipment.
  Or Brandon Pister--he used his tax reform bonus to help his family 
cover medical expenses and put money into savings.
  The junior Senator from Missouri can be proud that he voted for the 
historic policies that helped unleash all of this good news. It is a 
shame that his colleague, the senior Senator from Missouri, chose to 
vote in lockstep with Senate Democrats and try to block tax reform from 
taking effect.
  Republicans will keep sharing success stories like these from 
Missouri and keep helping the American people write more.
  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. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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