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SALT LAKE CITY — Sen. Orrin Hatch praised the Trump administration's proposed tax reform plan, saying Congress has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul the system.
The Utah Republican said he repeatedly implored the Obama administration to take action on the issue to no avail.
"One thing I’ve said throughout this endeavor is that tax reform, if it’s going to be successful, will require presidential leadership," Hatch said in a speech on the Senate floor. "As of now, we finally have a president who is willing to lead in this effort."
President Donald Trump's tax plan is designed to grow the economy and reduce rates for both large and small businesses, as well as job creators, he said.
"Overall, the president’s tax plan would make our country more competitive in the international marketplace and reduce the tax burden on millions of middle-class families," Hatch said.
The plan would simplify the tax code and make it fairer for individuals and families, he said. Married couples would see the standard deduction doubled so they would not pay tax on the first $24,000 they earn, the senator said.
We have a historic opportunity #TaxReformpic.twitter.com/vnI87MgwND
— Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) May 1, 2017
Hatch, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said he would also like to see ideas and proposals he has worked on for years included in the final package.
"The last major tax overhaul in the U.S. was more than 30 years ago. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity in front of us, and I intend to do all I can to ensure that we make the most of it," he said.
