Two days ago President Trump gave an impassioned speech calling for members of Congress to come together and reform the tax code.
“Today I’m calling on all members of Congress -- Democrat, Republican and independent -- to support pro-American tax reform,” he said. “They have to do it.”
Trump’s goal is to “relaunch” Main Street America by “reducing the crushing tax burden on our companies and on our workers.” It’s a laudable goal, and one that would no doubt jumpstart the American economy and promote job growth:
So this is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver real tax reform for everyday hardworking Americans, and I am fully committed to working with Congress to get this job done. And I don't want to be disappointed by Congress, do you understand me? Do you understand? (Applause.)
Congress -- I think Congress is going to make a comeback. I hope so. (Laughter.) I tell you what, the United States is counting on it. (Applause.)
Here are my four principles for tax reform: First, we need a tax code that is simple, fair, and easy to understand. (Applause.) That means getting rid of the loopholes and complexity that primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans and special interests. [...]
Second, we need a competitive tax code that creates more jobs and higher wages for Americans. It’s time to give American workers the pay raise that they've been looking for for many, many years. (Applause.) [...]
The third principle for tax reform is a crucial one: tax relief for middle-class families. (Applause.) In a way -- and I’ve been saying this for a long time -- they've been sort of the forgotten people, but they're not forgotten any longer. I can tell you that. (Applause.) [...]
Fourth and finally, we want to bring back trillions of dollars in wealth that's parked overseas.
But will Congress act when it reconvenes next week? Will Republicans stop infighting and use their majority advantage? Will Democrats stop obstructing policy agendas the American people support?
The answer is anything but clear. Tax reform is, if possible, an even more contentious topic than healthcare. If Republicans can’t come together to make good on their promise to repeal Obamacare, how will they ever work out a deal that reduces taxes for millions of Americans?
Hope is still alive, but the American people would do well to investigate other options. That’s why millions of Americans have joined the Convention of States Project.
The COS Project is seeking to call and convene an Article V Convention of States for the purpose of proposing constitutional amendments that, among other things, force Congress to be fiscally responsible. These amendments can include a mandate to balance the budget and spending caps, but they can also include tax reforms.
The best part? Neither Congress, the President, nor the Supreme Court have any say in the matter.
