House Passes Most Sweeping Tax Cut Bill in Three Decades 

Over the years, Washington has carved out special-interest loophole after special-interest loophole, creating a system that benefits those whose lawyers and accountants can best navigate and exploit the tax code. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will remove those loopholes, adding fairness to the system and making the tax code so simple that nine out of 10 Americans will be able to file their return on a form the size of a postcard.

H.R. 1, which I was proud to support in the House yesterday, cuts federal income tax rates, eliminates loopholes, and encourages investment in America’s economy. 

Our plan is about Americans, especially low and middle income families, being able to keep more of their own, hard-earned money.

We’re lowering federal income tax rates across the board - consolidating the existing seven tax brackets into four – while nearly doubling the standard deduction for individuals and married couples.

According to Census data, the average family of four in the Sixth makes $132,066 per year. Under this bill, using the increased standard deduction, that family will take home an additional $4,658 per year.

On Thursday night, Vice President Mike Pence spoke at the Tax Foundation's Annual Dinner. Here's a snippet of what he had to say:

"...Today was a banner day for tax cuts. This afternoon the House of Representatives passed its tax cut bill, and President Trump and I are truly grateful for the leadership of Speaker Ryan, Chairman Brady, and all the great Republicans who voted for this legislation.

In fact, I'm told a couple [of them] are in the room. Let's hear it for Congressman David Rouzer and Congresswoman Karen Handel -- who knows how to start a career on Capitol Hill."

Meeting with the Confederation of Indian Industry

On Tuesday, I attended an event hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry. We discussed the investments from Indian companies in the US, as well as our mutually beneficial economic and commercial relationship with this Asian nation.

In total, 100 Indian companies in the U.S. have made nearly $18 billion in tangible business investments in this country, creating 113,423 jobs along the way. In 2016, trade in goods and services between the U.S. and India totaled almost $115 billion. Both countries aspire to increase bilateral annual trade to $500 billion in the coming years, and I plan to continue doing what I can to make that goal a reality.

This Week in Committee

I appreciate you taking the time to read this note. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please call my Washington office at (202) 225-4501 or my Roswell office at (770) 998-0049, or keep up with me on Facebook and Twitter. 

Sincerely,
 
Karen C. Handel
Member of Congress