Corporate Tax Fairness -- Day Lee Briefing 04/23/2012

Apr 23, 2012

Fairness in the market means companies compete on a level playing field, and no one receives special treatment.

Weekly Wrap-up -- Day Lee Briefing 04/20/12

Apr 20, 2012

This week, the Senate focused on the “Buffett Rule” and tax issues in general. Senator Lee, who sits on the Joint Economic Committee, offered some prepared remarks at a JEC hearing on taxation. A full transcript can be viewed here, and an excerpt is below:

“Our current tax code is just way too complicated, biased against saving, and distorts economic behavior.  Also, we have the unfortunate distinction of having the highest corporate tax rate in the world.  Not surprisingly, this has not provided incentive for corporations to stay or relocate here – resulting in the flight of jobs and capital away from the U.S.”

The senator also took the opportunity to ask Dr. Kevin Haslett, who has a PhD in tax economics yet finds the tax code so complex that he will not do his own taxes, questions about federal tax policy in a Joint Economic Committee hearing:

Beyond the subject of taxes, Senator Lee expressed his support this week for the Senate Republican Conference’s decision to hire lawyer Miguel Estrada for the purpose of filing an amicus brief in a case challenging the unconstitutional “recess” appointments made by President Obama in January. Part of the senator’s statement:

“President Obama’s unconstitutional appointments are fundamentally different than the recess appointments of any other president in our nation’s history.  President Obama unilaterally appointed individuals to important executive positions when the Senate was not in recess, asserting that he may independently determine when the Senate is and is not in session.”

The full statement can be found here.

In the News

President Obama Checks Others' Power, But Not His Own

There is no better example than Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The senator showed the appropriate amount of deference to many of the president’s wishes and appointments, voting for those he fundamentally disagreed with that were otherwise good men and women. However, Sen. Lee has now taken the lead in demonstrating that the president’s desires do not carry the weight of a royal decree.  He along with many others in his chamber are standing up to the president, demanding that he recognize their constitutionally guaranteed rights as representatives of the people and as citizens of this country.

LEE: “Buffett Rule” Attempting to Divide, Distract Americans

Lee discussed President Obama’s push to distract Americans with the “Buffett Rule,” legislation that raises taxes on job creators and ignores the need for comprehensive tax reform.

Around Capitol Hill

Senate GOP joining legal action against Obama recess appointments

Reviving an issue that angered Republicans and some business groups this year, Senate Republicans plan to file an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of recent recess appointments by President Obama.

Congress poised to hit GSA on spending

Dan Tangherlini, meet Capitol Hill.

Congress returns to Washington next week with its mind on taxes but its sights on another target: the General Services Administration (GSA).

The Little Guy Pays For It -- Day Lee Briefing 04/19/12

Apr 19, 2012

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the Mortgage Bankers Association, the US Soccer Foundation, and the National Right to Life Committee.

From the Senator’s Desk


From the Whip

The Senate will convene at 9:30am and will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. 

The managers of the postal reform bill continue to work on a finite list of amendments.  If an agreement is not reached, the cloture vote(s) will ripen at 2:15pm. 

At 2:15pm, the Senate will resume consideration of S. 1789, the Postal Reform bill, and will proceed to a Roll Call Vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Lieberman/Collins substitute amendment #2000, as modified.  If cloture is not invoked, the Senate will immediately proceed to a cloture vote on the underlying bill.

Roll Call Votes are expected today.


Wednesday’s Session:

Roll Call Votes:

There were no votes

UC Items:

S. Res.406 (Alliance to Save Energy)

S. Res.425 (National Adopt a Library Day)

S. Res.426 (Baylor University Women’s Basketball)

On Twitter

SenMikeLee

Fairness in the market means companies compete on a level playing field, and no one receives special treatment: http://ow.ly/aos67 #taxes


SenLeeComs

If Boehner stepped in to block Paul Ryan from submitting a budget, media would be all over it. When Reid does it to Conrad, total silence


SenLeePressSec

Jell-O is served! Come on by Hart 316 #utpol http://pic.twitter.com/Ma7lzslm


SenLeeResearch

How meaningless is the #BuffettRule when it comes to #deficit reduction? This meaningless: http://bit.ly/HArFMs #tcot #tlot #debt #budget

Around the Water Cooler

Momentum in US hiring, home sales appears to slow

Momentum in U.S. hiring and home sales appears to be slowing, according to fresh data.

Stocks fall on weak U.S. economic data

Stocks finished lower Thursday, as a trifecta of downbeat U.S. economic reports overshadowed encouraging signs out of corporate America and Europe.


Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will be back in Utah to meet with constituents.

Corporate Tax “Fairness” that is Anything But

Apr 19, 2012

Far from making the corporate tax system "fair," the president’s corporate tax plan punishes smaller businesses, worsens the punitive double taxation of American companies that operate overseas, and, at a time when gas prices are spiking, selectively hikes taxes on American oil producers.

Lee Backs Pick To Defend Against Unconstitutional Appointments

Apr 17, 2012

I commend Leader McConnell for having chosen Miguel Estrada, a superb advocate, to articulate the Senate's crucial perspective in the litigation over President Obama's unconstitutional “recess” appointments. At stake is nothing less than the Senate’s rightful constitutional prerogatives.

How Taxation of Capital Affects Growth and Employment

Apr 17, 2012

I am glad we are discussing this topic today because I believe strongly that our tax system is in great need of reform. Our current tax code is just way too complicated, biased against saving, and distorts economic behavior. Also, we have the unfortunate distinction of having the highest corporate tax rate in the world. Not surprisingly, this has not provided incentive for corporations to stay or relocate here – resulting in the flight of jobs and capital away from the U.S.

Buffett Rule Voted Down -- Day Lee Briefing 04/17/2012

Apr 17, 2012

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of AIPAC, Taco Bell, and SUU Students of Fine Arts. He will also attend a Joint Economic Committee hearing on the taxation of capital, and he will hold a Utah tele-press conference at 6:15 PM EDT (4:15 MDT).

From the Senator’s Desk

From the Whip

The Senate will convene at 10:00am and will be in a period of morning business until 11:00am.

Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 1789, the Postal Reform bill, for 10 minutes of debate.

At 11:10am, the Senate will proceed to a Roll Call Vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1789.

The Senate will recess from 12:30 - 2:15pm for the weekly policy lunches.

 

Monday’s Session

Roll Call Votes:

-Confirmation of Stephanie Thacker of West Virginia to be US Circuit Judge for the 4th Circuit (91-3) confirmed

-Cloture on the motion to proceed to S.2230 (Buffett Rule)(51-45) not invoked

There were No UC Items

 

On Twitter

Featured Tweets

Around the Water Cooler

Space shuttle Discovery lands at new museum home

Space shuttle Discovery soared around the Washington Monument and the White House in a salute to the nation's capital Tuesday before landing for the last time near its new museum home.

Taliban commander turns self in... for reward on ‘Wanted’ poster

Sometimes, capturing a Taliban commander requires vast resources and complex operations. Last week in eastern Afghanistan, it hinged on an insurgent’s “improbable stupidity,” as one U.S. official put it.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of the Military Officers Association, Molina Healthcare, Varian Medical Systems, Utah Certified Commercial Investment Members, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. He will also attend a prayer breakfast and host a Jell-O bar for office visitors at 3:30 EDT (1:30 MDT).

Ending Abuse of the Commerce Clause -- Day Lee Briefing 04/16/12

Apr 16, 2012

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee will fly back to Washington.

From the Senator’s Desk


From the Whip

The Senate will convene at 2:00pm today and will resume consideration of the motion to proceed to S. 2230, the Whitehouse Buffett Rule bill. 

The time until 4:30pm will be equally divided.  

At 4:30pm, the Senate will begin 1 hour of debate on the nomination of Stephanie Dawn Thacker, of West Virginia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit.

At 5:30pm, the Senate will conduct 2 Roll Call Votes on confirmation of the Thacker nomination and cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 2230.

Reminder - a motion to reconsider was entered on the failed cloture vote on the motion to proceed to S. 1789, the Postal Reform bill. 

 

LOOK AHEAD:

The next recess is April 30 – May 4th.

Other legislative possibilities for this work session include: Postal Reform (S. 1789); NLRB “Ambush Elections” Congressional Review Act Resolution of Disapproval (Enzi); Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925); Cybersecurity bill (S. 2105); Highway bill (extension expires June 1), Credit Union bill (S. 2231); a bill to provide congressional authority to consolidate six agencies within the Federal government; “Jobs” bills; Protect IP Act; and additional executive nominations.

On Twitter

SenMikeLee

Busy week for my mobile office. Visiting Beaver, Iron, Garfield, & Piute counties: http://ow.ly/ajyas #utpol

SenLeeComs

We all know #BuffettRule has nothing to do w/ jobs or deficit. Now we see no one is buying the "fairness" schtick http://bit.ly/HLKRqM

SenLeePressSec

@stephcondoncbs I saw that you wrote on the #BuffettRule today. Here is Senator Lee's take on the situation: http://bit.ly/Hxg2Hh

SenLeeResearch

How meaningless is the #BuffettRule when it comes to #deficit reduction? This meaningless: http://bit.ly/HArFMs #tcot #tlot #debt #budget

Around the Water Cooler

GOP, Dems clash over Obama tax boosts on wealthy

The day before Americans' taxes were due, Senate Republicans defied President Barack Obama on Monday and prepared to block a Democratic "Buffett rule" bill requiring the nation's top earners to pay at least 30 percent of their income in taxes.

Bill Maher facing bipartisan criticism over Ann Romney remarks

Bill Maher is facing bipartisan criticism -- most recently from one of President Obama's former top advisers -- for controversial comments he made last week about Mitt Romney's wife.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee will meet with representatives of AIPAC and SUU Students of Fine Arts. He will also hold a Utah tele-press conference at 6:15 PM EDT (4:15 MDT).

Obamacare Support at All Time Low -- Day Lee Briefing 04/12/12

Apr 12, 2012

Today’s Agenda

Today, Senator Lee is in Utah to meet with constituents.

From the Senator’s Desk


On Twitter

SenMikeLee

#BuffettRule doesn't solve #jobs problem, doesn't solve #deficit problem, & doesn't solve #gasprices problem: http://ow.ly/aeBvI


SenLeeComs

MUST WATCH: Santelli: "We cannot collect enough taxes to catch up with spending!" http://bit.ly/HLXFjZ #BuffettRule

SenLeePressSec

Emery County has visit from Sen. Mike Lee: http://bit.ly/IgHi13 (via @ecprogress) #utpol


SenLeeResearch

The #nationaldebt forces a burden of $684,330 upon every American family: http://bit.ly/znPyZc #tcot #tlot #debt #deficit

Around the Water Cooler

Ann Romney fires back at never-worked charge

Ann Romney fought back Thursday against a Democrat who suggested she's no economic expert because she "hasn't worked a day in her life." Raising the five Romney sons, she said, was such a full-time job that her husband, Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney, considered it more important than his work as the family breadwinner.

Dispute erupts over GSA spending scandal price tag

House Republicans released new documentation Thursday designed to undercut administration claims that the cost of past General Services Administration conferences increased at a far greater rate under President George W. Bush than under President Barack Obama.

LEE: “Buffett Rule” Attempting to Divide, Distract Americans

Apr 12, 2012

Last night, Senator Mike Lee discussed President Obama’s push to distract Americans with the “Buffett Rule,” legislation that raises taxes on job creators and ignores the need for comprehensive tax reform.