This week, the Senate focused on the “Buffett Rule” and tax issues in general. Senator Lee, who sits on the Joint Economic Committee, offered some prepared remarks at a JEC hearing on taxation. A full transcript can be viewed here, and an excerpt is below:

“Our current tax code is just way too complicated, biased against saving, and distorts economic behavior.  Also, we have the unfortunate distinction of having the highest corporate tax rate in the world.  Not surprisingly, this has not provided incentive for corporations to stay or relocate here – resulting in the flight of jobs and capital away from the U.S.”

The senator also took the opportunity to ask Dr. Kevin Haslett, who has a PhD in tax economics yet finds the tax code so complex that he will not do his own taxes, questions about federal tax policy in a Joint Economic Committee hearing:

Beyond the subject of taxes, Senator Lee expressed his support this week for the Senate Republican Conference’s decision to hire lawyer Miguel Estrada for the purpose of filing an amicus brief in a case challenging the unconstitutional “recess” appointments made by President Obama in January. Part of the senator’s statement:

“President Obama’s unconstitutional appointments are fundamentally different than the recess appointments of any other president in our nation’s history.  President Obama unilaterally appointed individuals to important executive positions when the Senate was not in recess, asserting that he may independently determine when the Senate is and is not in session.”

The full statement can be found here.

In the News

President Obama Checks Others’ Power, But Not His Own

There is no better example than Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah). The senator showed the appropriate amount of deference to many of the president’s wishes and appointments, voting for those he fundamentally disagreed with that were otherwise good men and women. However, Sen. Lee has now taken the lead in demonstrating that the president’s desires do not carry the weight of a royal decree.  He along with many others in his chamber are standing up to the president, demanding that he recognize their constitutionally guaranteed rights as representatives of the people and as citizens of this country.

LEE: “Buffett Rule” Attempting to Divide, Distract Americans

Lee discussed President Obama’s push to distract Americans with the “Buffett Rule,” legislation that raises taxes on job creators and ignores the need for comprehensive tax reform.

Around Capitol Hill

Senate GOP joining legal action against Obama recess appointments

Reviving an issue that angered Republicans and some business groups this year, Senate Republicans plan to file an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of recent recess appointments by President Obama.

Congress poised to hit GSA on spending

Dan Tangherlini, meet Capitol Hill.

Congress returns to Washington next week with its mind on taxes but its sights on another target: the General Services Administration (GSA).