Brian Fitzpatrick. File photo
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick voted in support of the Republican tax reform plan Tuesday afternoon.
Fitzpatrick’s vote fell in line with fellow GOP representatives who supported the first major tax reform in 30 years. The plan is expected to be voted on in the Senate and later signed by President Donald Trump.
The plan will benefit businesses and most taxpayers, but there is some controversy because estimates project taxes may rise for many people in the next decade. The tax reform legislation is also projected by groups on the left and right to increase the national debt.
Below is Fitzpatrick’s statement:
“A 21st century economy requires a 21st century tax code, making tax reform a crucial part of any pro-growth governing strategy. With today’s vote, our nation has taken a historic step to invest in American families and support American businesses and workers. More than just allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, this legislation maintains important parts of existing policy like deductions for student loan interest payments, strengthens and expands provisions like the Child Tax Credit, and takes new action to increase economic competitiveness at home and abroad. While this is an important piece of the puzzle, we cannot stop here. It is time Democrats and Republicans work together to take meaningful action on a wide range of priorities, from infrastructure to ending the culture of corruption in Washington.”
In a twist that happened following the House of Representatives vote, leadership announced a second vote will have to be held Wednesday due to two minor violations of Senate rules, according to NPR reporter Kelsey Snell and Politico reporter Seung Min Kim.
Rachel Reddick, a Democrat running for Fitzpatrick’s congressional district, said the congressman “sold out” constituents with the vote. She noted her concern that the tax plan will benefit corporations, make the rich wealthier and eliminate deductions that many count on.
Almost immediately after the tax bill was passed by the House of Representatives, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched a digital ad campaign targeting the Eighth Congressional District calling out Republicans on the bill.
Fitzpatrick, an accountant and former FBI special agent, has previously called on making the tax code less complicated and ensuring economic policies that help families and small businesses.
