Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), still recuperating from a terrorist attack at his home by his socialist revolutionary neighbor, is taking the lead on the issue of tax reform. He is a firm supporter of tax reform backed by President Trump, and is urging his fellow lawmakers to get in gear.

“One of the main differences between Republicans and Democrats is that Republicans, in general, favor less government and more tax cuts,” Paul said in a FOX News op/ed published this morning. “That’s why I’m pleased to see us moving forward on a plan for tax cuts, and why I hope to vote to pass such a cut in the coming weeks.”

Paul is especially excited about reform because the repeal of the Obamacare individual mandate is included in the legislation, a move that he strongly supports.

“I’m also pleased to note that, in part by my urging, the Senate tax-plan writers have included repeal of the ObamaCare individual mandate in the tax plan,” Paul said. “The mandate is clearly a tax, a fact that was established by the Supreme Court when it upheld ObamaCare. So including it in the tax bill only makes sense. In addition, with CBO scoring it as a $350 billion savings, repealing the mandate helped pave the way for increased middle-class tax cuts, like an expanded child tax credit.”



Paul acknowledges flaws in the bill including the removal of state and local deductions included in the House version, the lack of permanence of the tax cuts, and the fact that the tax cuts are not bigger. Nevertheless, Paul is supporting the bill and telling others to step up. Although the legislation is not perfect, it is still needed to provide relief to the American people, and Republican lawmakers are obliged to pass it.

“This tax bill is a true test for my colleagues,” Paul said. “I’m not getting everything I want — far from it. But I’ve been immersed in this process. I’ve fought for and received major changes for the better — and I plan to vote for this bill as it stands right now.

“I urge my colleagues to do the same. I urge you, their constituents, to make sure they hear from you.”