On the recordMay 15, 2014
I appreciate the accolades from my partner in dealing with comprehensive tax reform. I appreciate and understand where he is trying to come from. It is true that some of the amendments that have been proposed don't directly apply to the extenders, but they do apply to taxes, and they are sensible. If the majority leader would agree, we can limit it to those that directly apply to the extenders. Look, everyone knows that even if the majority leader prevents us from having amendments, we are going to finish this bill by the end of next week--before the recess period. We are not talking about: Do it today or it is a ``done forever'' situation. This is going to be resolved in the Senate within the next several business days, probably moving into next week. All we are really asking for is the opportunity to make some improvements to this. There are some Members who say: I can't vote for this bill because this piece that the committee has agreed to is so egregious, and it overwhelms all the good that I see in it. Others will simply say: Well, OK, sometimes you have to take the less good--perfect being the enemy of the good--because it is the only way we can get to a bipartisan position. So, yes, I will lean forward even though I object to this particular provision. But at least they can say: I had the opportunity to make the point to my colleagues as to why certain provisions are in there. I can ask: Why is something that is this egregious?…
