I am honored to serve as the Chairman of
the Senate Finance Committee in the 119th Congress. This
position enables me to advance Idaho’s interests in legislation
related to federal tax policy; federal social safety net and health
care programs, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; and
implementation of foreign trade agreements.
You can read a more in-depth outline of my
priorities for the upcoming Congress on the Committee’s
website here.
Tax:
- With many of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s (TCJA)
provisions set to expire at the end of 2025, Congressional Republicans
are focused on preventing an over-$4 trillion tax
hike on American workers and businesses, which would cost
Idahoans an average of $2,500 more in taxes
annually.
- We are focused on preventing
this tax hike and making the Trump tax cuts permanent, which would
boost Idaho jobs by an estimated 17,000 and increase
state gross domestic product (GDP) by $820 million.
- Additionally, we will work to ensure the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) wisely stewards the funding it receives and
improves the taxpayer experience, after years of problems with service
delivery and tax law administration.
- It is
also time to act on bipartisan legislation to relieve double
taxation on cross-border investment between the U.S. and
Taiwan, Idaho’s second largest trading partner.
Trade:
- The United States must
resume negotiating comprehensive trade deals that expand
market access for Idaho producers. Idaho farmers and
ranchers are the best in the world. I will work with the Trump
Administration to enforce our rights against unfair trade practices
and negotiate good trade deals on behalf of Idahoans and all
Americans.
- It is also past time to
modernize our customs laws to empower our law
enforcement agents with the necessary tools and authorities to secure
our borders from illegal drugs and other dangerous goods.
Health Care:
- The
Committee will also work to ensure Idahoans have access to
effective and affordable health care. I am optimistic
we will continue our bipartisan work on issues like rural health care
access, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform and long-term payment
stability for doctors. We must also improve access to affordable
novel treatments and cures and improve access to reliable, high-value
health care in rural areas.
Protecting Social Security:
- Congress
has the important task of protecting and strengthening the Social
Security system. From improving the agency’s customer
service to shoring up the program’s solvency for future
beneficiaries, we must work together to keep our promises to the next
generation of Americans.
We have immense
opportunities ahead. As the Finance Committee embarks on
important work on pro-growth policy that will enhance opportunities
for Idaho families and job creators, thank you for sharing ideas and
helping to strengthen our great state and country.
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