On the recordDecember 17, 2015
I, too, have been deeply concerned about the long-term trends of our failing to come forward with revenue to pay for America's priorities. I found the Bush tax cuts a disaster. I have repeatedly brought before my friends in Congress proposals to actually fund our priorities. I look forward to doing so again, either stand-alone or in the context of comprehensive tax reform. I am prepared, however, today to support the provisions before us. First of all, I think the cost ought to be put in perspective because these items are ones that have been routinely approved year in and year out, not particularly paid for, and they are ones that will be approved again. My friend, the distinguished minority whip, talked about it is better to do just 2 years. Doing it on an ongoing basis for 2 years continues to have the same cost, but provides uncertainty for people who depend upon it. There are a number of provisions here that we all worked on: wind, solar, new markets, short line, transit parity, CIDER Act. These are items people deserve to have some clarity on moving forward for numerous provisions that ultimately would pass, but we would hold people in suspense until the end. But I want to speak to one particular item here. My good friend from Texas said you don't have to worry about the earned income tax credit or the child tax credit because they don't expire until next year.…
