Cicilline Statement on Republican Tax Scam

WASHINGTON – Democratic and Policy Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 1:

“This is not tax reform. It’s a scam. Our economy is already rigged against working people, and the bill Republicans passed today will make it even harder for middle class families to get ahead.”

“I voted against this bill because it raises taxes on 36 million working people, according to the non-partisan Tax Policy Center. It cuts taxes on billionaires and corporate special interests, while creating even more incentives for corporations to ship jobs overseas. It pays for this by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, education, and infrastructure funding, including $25 billion from Medicare funding in the first year alone, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. And, when it’s all said and done, it will increase the deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next ten years, meaning the next generation will have to pick up the bill.”

“We need real tax reform that makes the tax code simple and fair, and helps small businesses thrive. We need a plan that cuts taxes on every middle class family. We need to close corporate loopholes that incentivize companies to ship jobs overseas. We need to support businesses that work with colleges and states to provide training for in-demand jobs here at home.”

“Corporations and billionaires are already doing fine. Let’s put working people first, for a change. The American people deserve better.”