Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt: Send Tax Package Back to Committee to Fix Critical Flaws

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 1, 2024 – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) released a statement after voting against Senator Schumer’s attempt to expedite a tax package through the Senate.

“I support several provisions in the tax package, including restoring full expensing of the research and development tax credit and the goal of supporting children and their families. However, I cannot support ramming through a bill that would have serious unintended consequences. On top of its significant cost, fundamentally flawed pay-for, and weak work requirements, the bill would incentivize more people to illegally cross the U.S. southern border and benefit off of the American taxpayer—all while America already faces a mass migration crisis due to the Biden-Harris Administration’s reckless policies. Senator Schumer should allow this bill to go through the Senate Finance Committee, where critical flaws and loopholes can be fixed so we ensure the tax code truly benefits American families and businesses,” said Senator Britt.

Senator Schumer bypassed traditional committee processes to force a procedural vote on this tax package without allowing for a committee hearing or debate. He also did not provide assurances of an open amendment process on the Senate floor. Both opportunities would have allowed Senators to negotiate through regular order, consider, and vote on changes to correct critical flaws in the bill. Furthermore, Senator Schumer has scheduled this bill as the last vote before he sends the Senate home for five weeks—indicating no intention of starting bipartisan negotiations.

Senator Britt supports the Child Tax Credit and its benefits for America’s working families but opposes components of the bill that weaken work requirements. With today’s U.S. labor force participation rate below the long-term average, she believes it is not time to reduce work requirements. The legislation also would enable illegal aliens to receive the tax credit.

As an advocate for small businesses in Alabama, Senator Britt supports addressing three expiring business tax provisions in a long-term manner. These provisions were originally passed under President Trump and created substantial growth opportunities across the U.S. economy by allowing businesses to plan beyond one year. She expressed frustration that Senator Schumer's current proposal offers only a temporary solution.

Moving forward, Senator Britt aims to ensure Congress passes more permanent solutions for long-term tax relief and certainty for Alabama businesses and working families.

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