Douglas L. Peterson

So we have to become more competitive. The way we become more competitive in a global economy is dropping our tax rates.

We have the highest tax rate in the world. And because we have highest tax rate in the world, companies are leaving because they are not competitive.

I am encouraged that we have begun this process and that we are having this hearing. And this is going to be hard. But because it is hard doesn't mean we shouldn't do it.

Permanence creates certainty. Certainty reduces risk.

I hope Congress will seize this moment and enact substantial changes that will foster investment, growth, and jobs in the U.S.

We need a permanent, comprehensive fix that will promote investment, innovation and growth in the U.S.

We need to reform the U.S. tax system, including lowering the corporate tax rate, to level the playing field.

The gentleman makes a great point. Had we had adequate hearings in committee, we could have gone through all of these details. That is exactly the point here. We are rushing to conclusion as opposed to examination we could have done in…

I think the bewitching hour has arrived. We have had numerous speeches on this floor over my tenure of 4 years of everyone saying, ``I'm for national defense, I'm for national defense, and I stand squarely behind the military of our…

The point being made by the gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. Taylor] is that reasonable people must sit down and find reasonable solutions, but we must also be very clear in answering all the questions associated with this. I am very…