Republicans are eager to get tax reform done in 2017 and anything other than that would threaten the reputation of the GOP members Congress.

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"I think it's existential to the appearance, to the reputation, and to the efficacy of Congress, to get tax reform done," Rep. Francis Rooney (R-Fla.) told The Hill.

Coming off of a bruising defeat on healthcare reform, the GOP is motivated to end the year with a big win ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.

"2017 is the year for tax reform," House Ways and Means Committee member Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) said. "As you move into an election year, let's face it, things get more controversial and more difficult."

Democrats and Republicans have expressed a willingness to work together on passing tax reform, but some Democrats remain skeptical on if Republicans will meet them halfway.

"If Republicans do what they're talking about — massively ballooning deficit only to give tax cuts to the rich, then I think it's going to be a much harder sell to the American people," Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) said.