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PASSING TAX REFORM

American families continue to reap the benefits of the first major reform of the tax code in 31 years. Four million workers received bonuses, consumer confidence hit an 18-year-high, and 102 utility companies have announced that they will cut their rates, saving consumers $3 billion.

THE BENEFITS OF TAX REFORM INCLUDED...

CREATING OPPORTUNITY ZONES

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included the creation of  "Opportunity Zones." More than 8,000 low-income communities across the nation have been designated as “opportunity zones” to encourage investment and job creation. Under the program outlined by Senator Tim Scott, #OpportunityZones will bring hope and prosperity to communities across the country that are filled with potential. The final zones are now certified and the Treasury is working on finalizing the rules to give clarity to those looking to invest.

Senator Tim Scott (SC) and Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV) discuss Opportunity Zones. Video by Senate Republican Conference

ESTABLISHING PAID FAMILY LEAVE

Also with the passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Senate Republicans passed the first United States, nation-wide paid family leave program. Championed by Senator Deb Fischer (NE), the paid family leave plan offers flexibility for different types of families to meet their needs, whether that's taking care of a child or caring for an elderly parent.


Senator Deb Fischer (NE) on Paid Family Leave. Video by Senate Republican Conference.

DOUBLING THE CHILD TAX CREDIT 

The tax reform law also doubled the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000, increased its refundability, and now will allow many more parents to claim the credit by substantially lifting existing caps, provisions championed by Senators Dean Heller (NV), Tim Scott (SC)Marco Rubio (FL), and Mike Lee (UT).

DOUBLING THE STANDARD DEDUCTION

Senator Cindy Hyde Smith (MS) discusses the importance of tax reform.

SIMPLIFYING THE TAX CODE

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act got rid of the old, broken tax system replacing it with a code that doubles the standard deduction, which will reduce or eliminate the federal income tax burden for tens of millions of American families. Majority Whip, Senator John Cornyn (TX) describes some of the major benefits tax reform will deliver. 

AND THE BENEFITS OF TAX REFORM KEEP COMING...

MILLIONS OF JOBS CREATED

Thanks to tax and regulatory relief, the economy is strong and growing with more than 4 million jobs created since November 2016. At 3.9%, the unemployment rate is near an 18-year low. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law, the economy has created more than 1.6 million jobs. There are now more job openings than there are job hunters in the United States.

Republican Conference Chairman Senator John Thune (SD) speaks on the Senate floor about the continuous good economic news.

Record Number of Job Openings

For the first time ever, there are actually more job openings than there are unemployed people who are looking for work. According to the Labor Department, there are now 6.9 million job openings across the country, and only 6.3 million job hunters.

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Tax rEFORM DELIVERS BENEFITS ACROSS AMERICA

Companies announce bonuses

Senator Thom Tillis (NC) discusses the positive effects of the tax reform. They began almost immediately with companies announcing bonuses and wage increases in the first week. 

Wages are Rising

Senator Steve Daines (MT) talks about the effect of tax reform at home in Montana. Since the passage of tax reform, over 600 companies have announced bonuses, wage increases, and other benefits for over 4 million workers.

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE HIT 18-YEAR HIGH 

American consumer confidence reached an 18-year high in September as the unemployment rate was at 3.9 percent (near levels not seen in 18 years), while the economy continues to add jobs.


SMALL BUSINESSES ARE GROWING


Senator Pat Toomey (PA) discusses how local businesses in Pennsylvania are seeing the positive effects of tax reform. Businesses are growing and hiring.

SPURRING ECONOMIC GROWTH

Major economic indicators and manufacturer confidence continue to rise. Driven in part by investment encouraged by the tax law, economic growth for the second quarter of 2018 may hit 4.7 percent, according to the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank.

Senate Republican Policy Chairman, Senator John Barrasso (WY) speaks to local business owners and constituents at home about the growing economy.

HELPING MAIN STREET GROW

The Dodd-Frank Act was enacted in 2010 following the financial crisis in an attempt to reduce systemic risks the financial sector posed to the economy.  
The wide-ranging legislation touched nearly every aspect of the financial system. Dodd-Frank’s rules imposed at least $36 billion in new costs, much of which fell on smaller banks and credit unions that posed little risk to the economy. Dodd-Frank required more than 10 federal agencies to write more than 400 new rules, imposing 27,000 mandates on financial institutions of every size. 

The costs of Dodd-Frank hit community and regional banks and credit unions especially hard. Because of their small size, these banks and credit unions had a harder time complying with excessively complex reporting and paperwork requirements. Compliance costs hastened bank closures in small towns, leading to a growing number of places with no bank branches.


Senator Mike Crapo (ID) speaks about the importance of banking reform

Senator David Perdue (GA) praises Dodd-Frank rollback
In March 2018, Congress passed legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Crapo (ID) to roll back Dodd-Frank’s regulatory burdens on smaller financial institutions. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act enabled these smaller, community financial institutions to use more of their resources for serving customers, rather on complying with federal regulations. 

The law contained a number of provisions recommended by the Treasury Department, including one that simplifies complex risk-based capital requirements for community banks in excellent financial shape and one that exempts smaller banks from the complicated Volcker rule governing their investments.

SECURING THE JUDICIARY

The Senate has confirmed 26 circuit judges nominated by President Trump – the most in the first two years of any presidency in the past 40 years. A little more than one in eight of the 164 active circuit court judges has been appointed by President Trump. 

Senate Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell, Chairman of Finance Committee Senator Chuck Grassley, and Senator Ben Sasse speak to the importance of judicial nominees. Video by Senate Republican Conference.

RESHAPING THE JUDICIARY

Confirming qualified circuit court judges has been a priority of Senate Republicans. President Trump has already appointed 26 out of the 165 active circuit court judges – a bit more than one in eight. Senate Republicans continue to work with the Trump administration to confirm qualified judges who rule based on what the law and Constitution require, rather than their policy preferences.

CONFIRMING JUSTICE GORSUCH

Justice Neil Gorsuch, who President Trump appointed to replace Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, is a model of this judicial philosophy. As Justice Gorsuch has written, “a judge who likes every result he reaches is very likely a bad judge, reaching for results he prefers rather than those the law compels.”

June 25th marked the end of Justice Neil Gorsuch’s first full term on the Supreme Court after he was confirmed by Senate Republicans last April. He has authored six majority opinions this term and has provided the key fifth vote in eight cases decided 5–4.


Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch speaks about the honor of being nominated to the country's highest court, and is seen meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Majority Whip John Cornyn, as well as Senators Cory Gardner, Rob Portman, Steve Daines, Thom Tillis, Ben Sasse, Lindsey Graham, Roy Blunt, David Perdue, John Thune, Deb Fischer, Bill Cassidy, and Joni Ernst. 

COMMON SENSE HEALTH CARE

PATIENTS GIVEN “RIGHT TO TRY”

Congress passed right-to-try legislation to allow terminally ill patients access to experimental medical treatments not yet approved by the FDA. A patient with a terminal illness is now able to use treatments that have passed the first phase of the FDA approval process.

OBAMACARE’S INDIVIDUAL MANDATE REPEALED

Congress repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate, as of 2019. The Independent Payment Advisory Board, Obamacare’s ineffective and bureaucratic body of unelected officials tasked with recommending ways to cut Medicare spending, was also repealed. 

The story of Senator Ron Johnson's (WI) work on making this lifesaving legislation possible for terminally ill patients and their families. Video by Senate Republican Conference.

Senator Tim Scott (SC) explains the individual mandate

LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS
OPIOIDS CRISIS PASSED  

Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of accidental deaths for Americans under age 50. Last year, more than 72,000 Americans died due to drug overdoses, a 1o percent increase from a year earlier – 49,000 of these were related to opioids. In September, responding to the growing opioids crisis, the Senate passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018. The bill included proposals to reform Medicare, Medicaid, and family services programs, providing treatment and recovery support services for beneficiaries with substance abuse problems. It increased access to addiction treatment medications.

PATIENTS GIven the RIGHT TO KNOW
DRUG PRICES

In September, the Senate passed Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act – bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Susan Collins & Senator Claire McCaskill that would ban the inclusion of “gag clauses.” Some contracts between insurers and pharmacies include gag clauses that prevent pharmacists from sharing certain pricing info with patients, such as when a prescription would cost less by paying for the drug out-of-pocket. This legislation changes that practice. The bill was cosponsored by Senators Barrasso (WY), Stabenow (MI), Cassidy (LA), and Alexander (TN).

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV) talks about the opioids crisis and how it has affected West Virginia and how the Senate is responding. Video by Senate Republican Conference

Senator Susan Collins (ME) speaks on the Senate floor about the bipartisan Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act

EXPANDING ACCESS TO RESOURCES

ALASKANS GIVEN LIFE-SAVING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CARE

For years, the people of King Cove, Alaska have fought for safe and reliable medical emergency access. For decades, the people of King Cove, Alaska have asked for what virtually every other American already takes for granted — a safe and reliable way to access medical care in an emergency.  In January of 2018, Senator Dan Sullivan (AK) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) delivered that to Alaskans with Department of the Interior and the King Cove Corp. signing an agreement authorizing the small land exchange needed to construct a short, gravel, life-saving road that will connect King Cove, Alaska to the all-weather airport in nearby Cold Bay.

Department of Interior Secretary Zinke signs the King Cove agreement advocated for by Senators Sullivan and Murkowski 

CLARIFYING Water Rights

In August 2018, President Trump signed into law Senator Jeff Flake's bill to amend White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights. The bill specified that settlement funds may be used for the planning, design, and construction of the tribe’s rural water system in Arizona.

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS

REBUILDING OUR MILITARY

Our troops are about to receive a 2.6% across-the-board pay raise, their highest pay raise in more than ten years. Republicans in Congress have made funding our military and protecting the nation a top priority. Earlier this year, Congress agreed to an increase of $165 billion over two years for our military. This is a significant investment in our military and the largest budget increase for defense in 15 years.

CARING FOR VETERANS

President Trump and Republicans in Congress have worked together to provide quality health care for disabled veterans. The VA MISSION Act will put veterans first and allow them to receive health care from doctors in the VA and in their community without having to clear unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Veterans are also benefitting from a great economy - veteran unemployment is down to 3.8 percent.

Senator Jim Inhofe (OK), Senator Deb Fischer (NE), and late Senator John McCain (AZ) discuss the importance of the Senate passing the National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA). Video by Senate Republican Conference.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Johnny Isakson (GA), speaks to Congress’ renewed commitment to providing the best care to our nation’s heroes. Video by Senate Republican Conference.

MEETING WITH TROOPS ABROAD

Senator Jerry Moran (KS) discusses meeting with troops in Afghanistan and the importance of supporting the men and women of our armed services.

CONFIRMING VA LEADERSHIP

In July of 2018, the Senate confirmed Robert Wilkie to Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Wilkie has extensive experience, including as the Defense Department’s undersecretary for personnel and readiness responsible for health care and benefits for 9.4 million troops, family members, and retirees. In the video above, Senator John Boozman (AR) speaks in support of Wilkie to serve as VA Secretary.

PRIORITIZING NATIONAL SECURITY

PUTTING A NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM IN PLACE

Senate Republicans strongly supported the president's nominee for secretary of state and prioritized his confirmation over Democrat obstruction. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has already demonstrated his leadership and effectiveness as our nation's top diplomat by negotiating the historic Singapore summit with North Korea and bringing home American hostages. Gina Haspel, a career intelligence professional, was also confirmed by the Senate and is the nation’s first female director of CIA.

Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Richard Burr (NC) gives closing remarks in support of CIA Director, Gina Haspel

IMPOSING SANCTIONS

The Republican Congress passed the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which the President has used to sanction: 
  1. Iran for its ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction programs,

  2. Russia for theircyber hacking, corruption, and attempts to influence both the United States andEurope, and

  3. North Korea for itsuse of convict labor and human rights violations as well as those governmentsand entities who assist North Korea in violating UN resolutions.

In the video above, Senator Cory Gardner (CO) of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee discusses the importance of imposing these sanctions. 

FIGHTING TERRORISM

The Taylor Force Act was passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in August of 2017 and signed into law March of 2018. The Taylor Force Act  disincentivizes payments to terrorists. It calls on Palestinian Authority's to stop making payments to terrorists and families of deceased terrorists, and restricts U.S. economic aid to the West Bank and Gaza until the Palestinian Authority stops paying terrorists guilty of violence against Israelis and Americans. 


The bipartisan legislation's original co-sponsors were: Senators Lindsey Graham (SC), Bob Corker (TN) Joe Manchin (WV), Roy Blunt (MO), Tom Cotton (AR), John Kennedy (LA), James Risch (ID), Mike Rounds (SD), Marco Rubio (FL), Todd Young (IN), Mike Crapo (ID), Richard Shelby (AL), and Ted Cruz (TX).

REFORMING REGULATIONS

STRIKING, STREAMLINING, AND SIMPLIFYING REGULATIONS

Republicans have racked up an impressive record of accomplishment in rolling back federal regulations. Over the past 19 months, Republicans have saved Americans at least $50 billion and 16 million hours of paperwork. Taxes have been cut and simplified, some of Obamacare’s heaviest burdens have been lifted, and energy production is expanded – all producing the strongest economy in years. 

Congress passed 16 Congressional Review Act resolutions to repeal or block Obama-era regulations, accounting for $36 billion of the savings. Trump administration actions saved an additional $8 billion in 2017, and $6 billion so far in 2018. The administration’s proposed future deregulatory actions could save more than $175 billion.


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Deregulation savings totaling $50 billion broken out by savings from Congressional Review Act resolutions, Trump administration actions, and additional deregulatory proposals

Noteworthy deregulatory actions:

Reforming Dodd-Frank: In May 2018, Republicans scaled back some of Dodd-Frank’s most onerous regulations on smaller lenders. This allows smaller banks and credit unions to use more of their capital for loans to families and businesses while preserving consumer protections and rules to maintain the stability and soundness of the financial system. 

Repealing Net Neutrality: With the Restoring Internet Freedom Order, the FCC overturned utility-style regulations on the internet. Under President Obama, the FCC gave itself the authority to set rates and impose requirements on internet service providers. The new rules reinstate a “light-touch” regulatory framework that had worked well for decades.

Senator Roger Wicker (MS) speaks on "net neutrality." 

Providing Estate Tax Relief: In October 2017, the Trump administration withdrew a burdensome rule that would have imposed higher taxes on family-owned businesses. The Obama administration had proposed limiting the use of discounted valuations, making it more difficult for a family to pass its businesses on to future generations.


Cutting and Simplifying Taxes: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cut every tax bracket for individuals and families, letting them keep more of their own money instead of giving it to Washington. The law nearly doubled the standard deduction and simplified taxes for 95 percent of Americans who do not have to itemize deductions.

"Over the past 19 months, Republicans have saved Americans at least $50 billion and 16 million hours of paperwork."

Reducing Medicare Costs: The Trump administration has issued a new rule for in-patient hospital Medicare payments. It removes 18 reporting requirements and “de-duplicates” another 25, resulting in the elimination of more than 2 million administrative hours for hospitals.

Eliminating the Individual Mandate: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repealed the individual mandate requiring Americans to purchase and maintain health care coverage or pay a tax. Beginning in 2019, the tax penalty of $695 per adult or 2.5 percent of household income will no longer burden American taxpayers.

Expanding Short-Term Health Plans: The administration rolled back restrictions on short-term coverage options. These affordable alternatives can now provide coverage for a full year. The new rule is expected to help 2 million previously uninsured Americans get coverage. 

Encouraging Association Health Plans: 
In June, the Labor Department issued a rule to allow small businesses and the self-employed to join association health plans. These plans are free from Obamacare regulations, making them an affordable option. CBO estimates that 4 million Americans will seek this option, including 400,000 people who currently lack coverage. 

Senator Rand Paul (KY) discusses association health plans

Streamlining Purchase of Commercial Items: The Defense Department implemented a new rule to make it easier for the military to buy commercial items from nontraditional defense contractors. This will reduce paperwork burdens by more than 25 percent.

Simplifying Small Business Subcontracting: In April 2018, the Defense Department implemented a rule making it easier for businesses to manage subcontracting plans with the department. The rule will allow a business with multiple contracts to manage its subcontracting plans together, saving $30 million in unnecessary compliance costs.

Fighting WOTUS: The administration proposed repealing the Obama administration’s excessively broad definition of “waters of the United States” that threatened to dramatically increase the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers. While a lawsuit is ongoing, EPA will provide regulatory certainty with a new, clearer rule in coming months.

Opening Federal Waters for Drilling: In January, the Interior Department proposed opening nearly all offshore waters owned by the federal government to oil and gas leases. This could open as much as $218 billion in energy reserves.

ADVANCING Education

STRENGTHENING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Republicans modernized the federal law that supports local career and technical education programs. It sends over $1 billion in grants to states to equip students with knowledge and skills they need to secure high-skill, in-demand jobs in fields such as manufacturing, health care, and business.

Restoring Local Accountability for Schools

Congress voided a far-reaching Education Department rule that dictated how states weigh test scores and graduation rates in measuring school performance. Now states and localities can decide how to hold schools accountable.


Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) speaks about the importance of education reform to produce more skilled workers with Senator Mike Enzi (WY) and Ivanka Trump

ADVANCING JUSTICE

THE JUSTICE SERVED ACT


Majority Whip, Senator John Cornyn's Justice Served Act, funds the prosecution of cold cases solved through DNA evidence like backlogged rape kits. The bill has been passed by both houses and is on its way to the President’s desk. Once law, violent perpetrators will be brought to justice instead of remaining on our streets.

Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act

In late September, Senator John Cornyn (TX) also introduced the bipartisan Human Trafficking Survivor Tax Relief Act. The proposed legislation would exempt human trafficking survivors from paying federal income taxes on civil damages and restitution – because the last thing survivors should expect is to get stuck with a bill from the IRS.

RESTORING REGULAR ORDER

Republicans are acting to restore regular order for appropriations, with this year’s Bipartisan Budget Act paving the way.

APPROPRIATIONS

The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed every bill out of committee at its fastest pace since 1988. The Senate passed the majority of appropriations bills by the beginning of August, the first time this has happened since 2000.

As of September, the Senate has passed nearly 90 percent of discretionary spending through regular order. With passage of the Defense and Labor-HHS-Education minibus, the Senate passed 9 of 12 spending bills, containing nearly 90 percent of discretionary spending for fiscal year 2019. Restoring regular order to the appropriations process is an important step toward reasserting Congress’ oversight of federal spending.

Senator James Lankford (OK) explains the current appropriations process

PROMOTING AGRICULTURE


Among the important appropriations packages was an agriculture funding bill. In August 2018, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2019 Agriculture appropriations bill. Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee Senator John Hoeven (ND) introduced the legislation and spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of investing taxpayer dollars responsibly and funding programs that provide direct benefits to farmers and rural communities.

INTRODUCING A BETTER FARM BILL

In June of 2018, Senator Pat Roberts (KS) introduced the bipartisan Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. This bill (commonly known as the farm bill) provides certainty and predictability for rural America. The proposed legislation renews the federal government's major agricultural programs, including crop insurance, farm credit, and conservation. It also renews the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with some modifications to improve efficiency. The bill provides predictability on regulatory issues while making investments in rural communities. 

Senator Pat Roberts discusses the importance of the Farm Bill

IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY

FIGHTING SEX TRAFFICKING 

In March 2018, the Senate passed Senator Rob Portman's bipartisan Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) as part of a broader congressional effort to stop online sex trafficking and provide justice for victims. It was signed into law in April by President Trump. The legislation was the result of a two-year Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation's inquiry into Backpage.

Chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Senator Rob Portman (OH) discusses the importance of SESTA

INTRODUCING SCHOOL SAFETY LEGISLATION

In March 2018, Senators introduced the Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act of 2018, bipartisan legislation to address school violence. The legislation aims to address school violence by funding school security improvements and invest in early intervention and prevention programs to stop school violence before it happens.

Co-sponors of the bill included: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Majority Whip John Cornyn, and Senators Orrin Hatch, Joni Ernst, Marco Rubio, Chuck Grassley, Dean Heller, Bill Cassidy, Shelley Moore Capito, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins

ANSWERING THE CALL

RETURNING AS A PUBLIC SERVANT

Following the passing of late Senator John McCain of Arizona,   Senator Jon Kyl (AZ) was named by Governor Doug Ducey to fill the seat of the late SenatorSenator Kyl was ceremonially sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence in the Old Senate Chamber. Kyl previously served as an Arizona U.S. senator from 1995 until his retirement in 2013.