Max Baucus: “I thank Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray for their work to reform the harbor maintenance tax in order to keep our…”

“I thank Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray for their work to reform the harbor maintenance tax in order to keep our ports competitive. As chairman of the Finance Committee, I believe it is important that we work to improve our Nation's tax policy to make our Nation more globally competitive. I am committed to finding solutions to ensure that the harbor maintenance tax is reformed, to ensure U.S. tax policy does not disadvantage U.S. ports but also to improve our nation's infrastructure. Port improvement is imperative to our ability to conduct both domestic and international commerce. Many of my home State goods are exported through west coast ports in the Puget Sound and on the Columbia River, so I understand the broad impact of the ports and the need for continued attention. If we want to continue to compete both now and in the future we must ensure that we have the right policies in place, and that means reforming outdated policies to address the evolving needs of both the market and our Nation. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray to find an appropriate fix and find an appropriate legislative vehicle for comprehensive reform.”