Washington, D.C. -   -  Today, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) met with members of the Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania and discussed tax policy and other Congressional priorities.

“Americans have been hungry for a strong and clear domestic agenda that addresses the economic challenges facing ordinary Americans,” said English, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax and trade policy. “At a time when the economy is teetering on the edge of a recession, official Washington must show real leadership and embrace common sense policies that will reinvigorate the economy and provide real relief to working families and entrepreneurs.”

Last month, Congress enacted an economic stimulus plan (H.R. 5140) to help jumpstart the ailing American economy.

“By providing expensing for our economy’s entrepreneurs and accelerated bonus depreciation for employers, this plan will give American companies the shot in the arm they need to continue to grow the economy and create new jobs,” English said. 

English went on to note that the new law will put American tax dollars back in the pockets of America’s hard-working families.  “Through tax rebates and a bump in the child tax credit this agreement will quickly inject a cash infusion into the economy to assist families with high energy and food costs,” he said.

A strong advocate of the bipartisan stimulus plan, English said that although the new law will provide real relief for families and entrepreneurs, Washington must move forward
with real, fundamental tax reform, making note of his support for a pro-growth plan to serve as the groundwork for updating and simplifying the U.S. tax code.  He also recognized the need for border tax adjustments.

“Our tax system is dysfunctional and has become an impossible burden for the average taxpayer.  At the same time, our tax system places American producers at a disadvantage in the global economy and encourages jobs to be shipped off shore,” English said.  “We need a simpler, fairer tax system that encourages savings, investment and job creation.”

English further commented on the need for Washington to advance a trade agenda that will enforce U.S. trade laws and bring trading partners into line with international trading rules.  Specifically, English called on the administration to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was enacted in 1993 under the Clinton Administration.

“Now, nearly fifteen years old, the significant shortcomings of the trilateral trade agreement are increasingly becoming apparent,” English said.  “Having gained additional experience in developing effective trade negotiations since NAFTA was signed, Congress must work in a bipartisan manner to create an agreement that will strengthen, not hinder, our trading relations.”

During the discussion, English also noted Congressional intentions to address America’s energy crisis.  A vocal advocate in the development of a strong and effective energy policy, English has voted to raise mandatory fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks and supports the establishment of a federal ban on gasoline.  This Congress, English introduced the GREEN Technologies Act (H.R. 2652) which includes as number of provisions to foster environmentally-sound development and use of energy sources.

“America’s energy crisis is no longer an issue that can be turned into a political football that is simply punted to the next Congress,” English said. “At a time when the American economy is reeling from unstable energy costs, Congress ought to be able to advance a bipartisan energy agenda that will encourage conservation, increase the use of renewable energy and further develop new technologies to create a more sustainable energy supply.”

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