William Richard Keating
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a not entirely unsurprising move, Cape and Islands Democrat Congressman Bill Keating has revealed that he is somewhat less-than-impressed with his Republican colleagues recently approved tax bill.
The $1.5 trillion package was approved by the U.S. House on Thursday by a vote of 227 to 205 and would overhaul corporate and personal taxes.
“It’s an extraordinary circumstance when a tax cut becomes this unpopular,” said Keating following the vote.
“We’re hearing from a broad spectrum of people in our community who are seriously concerned they will be hurt by the Republican tax plan.”
Keating went on to announce several local programs that he claims would take a hit in Massachusetts’ 9th congressional district including investment in clean energy, severe weather protection for coastal communities, and mortgage interest deductions.
“Many are concerned they could be part of the 36 million who actually see a tax increase; students are concerned they will no longer be able to afford school; those on Medicare are concerned because they know this tax plan will ultimately cause Medicare to be cut; and others are concerned they may be one of the 13 million people to lose their health care,” said Keating, “The tradeoff to reduce corporate taxes and taxes for the wealthiest of the wealthy will be devastating to the rest of us. Unfortunately, none of this was necessary. We had an opportunity for bipartisan reform, but Republicans are wasting it.”
The bill still has a long way to go before it becomes law, requiring the approval of its senate counterpart followed by what will likely be a lengthy reconciliation process.
By DAVID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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