On the recordJune 23, 2011
I have tremendous respect for the gentleman from Colorado, but I rise in opposition to this amendment. This amendment would cover not only those patent applications that were on file yesterday but, as I understand it, also those that are filed tomorrow. Tax strategy patents are a bad idea, as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants states. ``It's bad public policy. No one should be granted a monopoly over a form of compliance with the Federal Tax Code.'' This amendment is opposed not only by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants but also my colleague, co-chair of the CPA Caucus, Mike Conaway, and a majority of the CPA and accountants caucus, together with the American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Keep in mind, the purpose of a patent is to encourage innovation. What interest does the Federal Government have in encouraging innovative ways to avoid paying taxes to the Federal Government? It is now time to draw a line against patents on tax compliance.
