Earl Blumenauer: “I am disappointed as we vote on this tax bill for the fifth time that no substantive change has been made to make it…”

“I am disappointed as we vote on this tax bill for the fifth time that no substantive change has been made to make it more fiscally responsible and direct more help to those who need it the most. Accordingly, I have decided keeping commitments to my constituents in Oregon was a higher priority than voting ``no'' for the fifth time, which I most definitely would have done. Luckily change is in the air as recent events on Capitol Hill have demonstrated the need for true bipartisanship and working together in a cooperative fashion. This hopefully will mean an opportunity to improve this package in the course of the year, and I remain committed to doing so in a way that makes sense for the people I represent in Oregon and the long-term fiscal stability of the country.”