WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three Freshmen members of Congress, including one locally, say they’re concerned about one of the things that reportedly became part of the deal resulting in Kevin McCarthy becoming House Speaker.
The three — including 17th District Congressman Eric Sorensen — are opposed to what they say is a proposed 30 percent national sales tax, and have introduced a resolution in the House to that end.
“We in the heartland…we see a couple things as determination of how hard it is to live,” said Sorensen (D-East Moline). “It’s the price of a gallon of milk, which has been around five dollars a gallon, and also the cost of eggs. It’s the cost of gas. We need to bring these costs down for everyday Americans.”
Sorensen says he was elected to Congress to help lower everyday costs, not raise them.
The proposal, referred to as the “Fair Tax Act,” however, has not been brought to the floor for debate, but if approved, would also abolish the Internal Revenue Service.
“We can’t wait for something to make it to the floor of the House before we stand on principle and fight for our communities, and that’s what we’re doing here today,” said Sorensen. “We’re saying that this is not fair. This is not right.”
Sorensen was part of a news conference on the matter Wednesday in Washington. A similar resolution has reportedly been introduced in the U.S. Senate.
Republicans say the measure would promote savings and investments and improve the economy while simplifying the tax code.
