As Americans sit down to Christmas eve dinner and exchange gifts with loved ones, they’re still dealing with sizable tax burdens, growing red tape, and a federal government unwilling to cut spending. It’s a little depressing in that tax reform was supposed to be a key battle on the Hill in 2014, regulations are always a target for elected officials on both sides of the aisle, and what marginal spending cuts that Congress agreed to in the form of sequestration was partially repealed (as part of the Murray-Ryan budget deal).
But let’s put off the blame and hand-wringing on this Christmas Eve and ask what Christmas present would you want from Congress?
Before NTU and Foundation staff took a day or two off for the holiday, I asked them what they would like to see from Congress. It’s a diverse wish list and, oftentimes, items that Congress could act on without much political (or electoral) pain.
With no further ado, Team Taxpayer’s Congressional Christmas List:
“I’d be very happy if Congress could work to roll back as much of Obamacare as possible, stick to the discretionary spending caps of the Budget Control Act of 2011, and turn back efforts to pass an economically destructive Internet sales tax.” – Executive Vice President Brandon Arnold
“For years, Congress has quibbled over how to reform the Postal Service, even though many fixes are politically within reach. I’ll love to see Congress give up spending valuable time on renaming post offices and get to real issues (like entitlement reform and getting the Highway Trust Fund under control).” – Research & Outreach Manager Dan Barrett
“Congress must resolve to live within its means and stop piling on the national debt, which has reached such a level that it may not be mathematically possible for the federal government to pay it down through economic growth alone.” –Director of Research Demian Brady
“The T-Rex statue from the Museum of Natural History.” – Creative Content Manager Tim Howland
“An income tax holiday!” – Communications Manager Doug Kellogg
“If Congress got me a Christmas present it would involve undermining the 10th Amendment. I would really like to not pay Virginia property taxes on my car. It’s ridiculous and I get angry about it every year!” – Development Director Rick Lipman
"Here's a simple one: resolved, every Member of Congress will be required to complete his or her own federal tax return personally, with no professional assistance, and undergo an IRS audit when they are finished. Maybe that ordeal would convince lawmakers to do something about tax reform." – President Pete Sepp
“I would wish for a repeal of the Renewable Fuel Standard.” – Federal Affairs Manager Nan Swift
“The end of election season TV ads was a nice early present, but I’d love to see a balanced budget as well.” – Policy Analyst Michael Tasselmyer
Here’s hoping Congress takes note.
Want to help us realize some of these policies? Consider donating to NTU and NTUF to help taxpayers!