Wyden Statement on Tax Extenders Package

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today released the following statement on the tax extenders package:

“The agreement addresses expired and expiring tax provisions that are critical for middle-class families and our economy. A better agreement to make a number of policies permanent and extended others was near the finish line, but the administration opposed the package. For example, Trump killed a proposal to permanently extend incentives for affordable housing, leaving children out in the cold amidst a nationwide housing crunch.

“The agreement extends the incentive for wind power that has been moving us toward a clean energy future. A comprehensive overhaul of the energy provisions in the tax code is needed to kick our dependence on Big Oil, but we can’t risk backsliding.

“In wins for Oregon, tax breaks for short-line and regional railroads and incentives for craft brewers, vintners and distillers will be extended. Regional railroads like the Coos Bay Railroad, Lake County Railroad and Wallowa Union Railroad are vital to our local economies, and I’ve seen firsthand how incentives for craft beverage producers have helped Oregon small businesses grow, hire and provide new benefits to their workers. I will keep fighting to make both incentives permanent.

“In another win for Oregon, the agreement also repeals one of the glaring errors in the Republican tax bill that would have socked rural ratepayers with higher electricity bills.

“Democrats have long said that Republicans need to negotiate on broader issues if they want to fix all of the mistakes in their tax giveaway. Republicans knew about these major errors at the time, but plowed ahead despite Democratic warnings. Unfortunately, they refused to meet us halfway and agree to changes that would help working families make ends meet.”

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