Mark Udall: “Congress definitely needs to respond to the retaliatory tariffs imposed on American exports because of the World Trade…”

“Congress definitely needs to respond to the retaliatory tariffs imposed on American exports because of the World Trade Organization's rulings addressed by this bill. But, we do not need to pass the bill as it stands--in fact, we shouldn't. The bill is unbalanced and excessive. It includes provisions that could provide new incentives for American companies to move overseas. I am concerned that it could allow companies to simultaneously outsource much of the work needed to make a product and at the same time benefit from a tax break for 'domestic production.' The bill is unduly tilted toward large companies rather than the small businesses that are the source of most jobs in our country. It also includes billions of dollars worth of new narrow special-interest tax breaks, as well as other provisions that supposedly will raise revenue to offset the corporate tax incentives. Those offsets include provisions for outsourcing IRS debt collection, which I think is a bad idea, and creating additional paperwork for charitable contributions. Of course, the bill also includes desirable provisions. If they stood alone, or were part of a bill that otherwise was acceptable, I would be happy to vote for the legislation. And I did support the motion to recommit, which would have greatly improved the bill.”