Orrin Hatch: “with this week's passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many throughout the country are rightly celebrating the first…”

“with this week's passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many throughout the country are rightly celebrating the first substantive reform of our Nation's Tax Code in more than three decades. While the popular narrative surrounding this bill has been that Congress has moved quickly to pass this legislation, I don't think anyone who has worked on tax reform over the last several years would agree with that assessment. This week's success is made possible by years of hard work and the efforts of countless policymakers, experts, advocates, and public servants. Over the last several years, I have come to the floor on many occasions to advocate for tax reform. I am glad today to be able to rise and acknowledge the efforts of many people whose work made the historic occasion possible. First, I would like to thank those Members who went before us. Former Chairmen Camp, Grassley, and Baucus spent the better part of the decade laying the groundwork for this effort. I also want to thank Senator Wyden, who, along with Chairman Baucus, worked with me on the Finance Committee over the last several years as we produced reports and options papers, convened bipartisan working groups, and held more than 70 hearings to discuss tax policy.…”