Dreier, Camp Introduce the Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee along with Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI), introduced H.R. 6169, the Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012. This legislation will provide a clear pathway to comprehensive tax reforms in 2013. By implementing expedited procedures, this bill will enable lawmakers in both the House and Senate to overcome multiple technical hurdles that often cause bills to languish during the legislative process.

“The United States tax code is far too complex and bloated. It forces American citizens and small business owners to focus on filling out tax forms instead of tending to their families and businesses. It is clear to lawmakers on both sides of the aisle that real, fundamental reforms to our tax code are long overdue. In fact, our revenue laws have not been substantially reformed in 50 years,” Chairman Dreier said.

“Congress must enact comprehensive reform that simplifies our tax code while lowering the tax burden on working families and small businesses. These reforms will focus on incentivizing individuals and job creators to invest in our economy.”

“However, comprehensive tax reform is difficult to achieve because the procedural obstacles in the House and Senate favor the status quo. This legislation creates a pathway that puts comprehensive tax reform within reach. By providing a step-by-step process for consideration of comprehensive tax reform legislation, we ensure that obstructionism and dilatory tactics will not thwart real reforms.”

Chairman Camp added, “Instead of tax hikes, hardworking taxpayers deserve a simpler, fairer and flatter tax code that lowers rates and abandons the Washington game of picking winners and losers. We should work together to fix our broken and outdated tax system and give certainty to American employers and families. This legislation compels Congress to act on comprehensive tax reform next year so that we can get Americans working again and on a path to sustained economic growth. When coupled with reduced federal spending, comprehensive tax reform could lead to the creation of 1 million jobs in the first year alone. This is the economic jolt our country needs.”

Summary of Expedited Procedures: In the House, if the Rules Committee fails to provide for consideration of an applicable tax reform bill within 15 days after the Ways and Means Committee reports the tax reform bill or is discharged, a process for floor consideration of the bill, similar to an open rule, will automatically be put in place.

In the Senate, any applicable tax reform bill would not be subject to a cloture vote on a Motion to Proceed or on individual amendments. A cloture vote may still be required to end consideration of the bill. The expedited procedures also require that amendments be relevant to the underlying bill.

For Immediate Release: July 24, 2012
Contact Doug Andres 202.225.9191

Created:
Jul 24, 2012