Some Of America's Wealthiest Tell Congress To Raise Their Taxes, Not Cut Them

Rebecca Shapiro

American millionaires and billionaires are banding together to urge Republicans in Congress to raise their taxes instead of cutting them.

In a letter first reported by The Washington Post on Sunday, more than 400 of America’s wealthiest citizens are asking congressional Republicans to reconsider tax reform legislation that would dramatically lower taxes for corporations and the rich. The House is expected to vote on its version of the bill this week, and Republican leaders anticipate the proposal will pass.

“We are high net worth individuals, many in the top 1%, who care deeply about our nation and its people, and we write with a simple request: Do not cut our taxes,” says the letter crafted by the advocacy group Responsible Wealth.

Signers include billionaire George Soros and philanthropist Steven Rockefeller, according to the Post. Responsible Wealth also invites individuals in the top 5 percent of wealth or income (roughly $1.5 million in household net assets or $250,000 household income) to sign the letter.

The group takes aim at the GOP tax proposals that would benefit the most affluent Americans and increase income inequality. The letter also criticizes proposals for benefitting corporations over individuals ― a point made in this exchange with Rep. Susan DelBene (D-Wash.).

Read the letter in its entirety here.

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Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.)

&ldquo;I thank Speaker Boehner for his service to the people of Ohio and this country. John Boehner is a good and decent man. His word was always good. And I will miss him."<br /><br />"I respect Paul Ryan and congratulate him on his election as Speaker. He is a smart and dedicated leader who is deeply committed to his country and his family. Those qualities will serve him well as Speaker of the House, and I look forward to working together to address issues vital to the American people."<br /><br />"But make no mistake &ndash; my Democratic colleagues and I will continue to have deep policy differences with Speaker Ryan on the vast majority of issues. We will continue to fight against any effort to privatize Medicare or weaken Social Security. Democrats remain committed to protecting the social safety net that keeps millions of Americans on their feet, and we will continue to stand strong against all Republican attacks on middle class Americans. That won&rsquo;t change with Speaker Ryan."<br /><br />"Paul Ryan has at times shown a willingness to work across the aisle to get things done. He has at times proven himself to be a reasonable negotiating partner. But I&rsquo;m troubled by reports that he has already made significant concessions to the most extreme House Republicans to win their support. I hope he will be a strong and responsible leader as Speaker and control the right-wing ideologues who continue to highjack the Republican Conference and the entire House of Representatives. I hope he will stand up to the extreme voices in his caucus &ndash; including the 167 Republicans who voted just yesterday to shut down the government and destroy the full faith and credit of the United States."<br />&nbsp;<br />"Now, more than ever, House Republicans need a leader empowered to compromise with Democrats in order to reach bipartisan agreements that benefit the American people. I hope Speaker Ryan will be that leader."<br /><br />"I look forward to getting to work for the American people.&rdquo;

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus

&ldquo;Paul Ryan is the right man, at the right time, to lead the House of Representatives at this critical period in history. Paul is a devoted husband and father, as well as a loyal, long time friend, and a man committed to making our country a better place."<br />&nbsp;<br />"Paul is a conservative who has dedicated his life to public service, and I know that he's focused toward building an America where everyone can prosper. I want to thank Speaker John Boehner for his exemplary leadership during his tenure as Speaker. His years of principled service have greatly benefited our party and our nation."

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.)

&ldquo;I congratulate Paul D. Ryan on his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives. I served with Congressman Ryan on the Budget Committee and over the years, we have gotten to know one another as working parents who split time between our home states and Washington, D.C. I am hopeful that under his leadership, House Republicans will reach across the aisle and work with Democrats to advance American priorities like economic growth for the middle class, comprehensive immigration reform, college affordability and student loan debt relief, and paid family leave."<br /><br />"I will be sure to extend my hand in cooperation if in return, the priorities of the American people are placed at the top of the agenda. We will continue to be a strong voice to amplify the people's voices, who deserve the opportunity to build the cornerstones of a middle class life: a good job, a roof over their head, a quality education, access to quality, affordable health care and a secure retirement."<br /><br />"I also congratulate John Boehner and his family on his service to this nation, the House of Representatives and the state of Ohio, and wish him good health and happiness.&rdquo;

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)

&ldquo;I join in congratulating Rep. Paul Ryan on his election as Speaker of the House. Now that the prolonged drama of the House Republican leadership transition is over, Speaker Ryan has a responsibility to bring this House together to meet the challenges facing Congress and our country. This means ensuring that the People&rsquo;s House reflects the tradition in our country of seeking consensus and compromise. It means facilitating bipartisan compromise to achieve results that both parties can mark as shared successes for the nation we all serve. Furthermore, it means pursuing an end to manufactured crises that place our economy and the American Dream in danger." <br /><br />"House Democrats are ready to work with Speaker Ryan to address the challenges that are foremost on the minds of Americans, worried about the future of our country and the opportunities it has always made possible for its people. Our constituents want this House to focus on creating an environment where the private sector can create good jobs that pay well. They want us to work together to end the uncertainty that is holding back economic growth by reaching a long-term agreement to put America back on a fiscally sustainable path. They are asking us to fix our broken immigration system and repair America&rsquo;s aging infrastructure, to strengthen our national defense and ensure that our justice system treats all equally. Our challenges are great, so our response to those challenges must be greater. I hope that Speaker Ryan will choose to be a consensus-builder who wants to work with us to get things done so that we can secure the long-term, bipartisan victories this moment in our history demands of us.&rdquo;

Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.)

&ldquo;As Badgers we are proud of Paul, who will be the first Speaker of the House of Representatives from Wisconsin. Paul and I have worked together to put the needs of Wisconsinites first and I look forward to continuing that. I hope that in his new role as Speaker he understands that in our Democracy, with checks and balances, we need to work in a bipartisan manner address our challenges and not continue to let hyper-partisanship cause gridlock and dysfunction.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.)

&ldquo;True leaders reveal themselves in times of uncertainty and change. They thrive under pressure and create new paths forward, always working toward the greatest good. Paul D. Ryan is a true conservative who embodies this type of visionary leadership. His installment today as Speaker of the House gives me renewed confidence and optimism in the direction of our party and country, and I&rsquo;m certain his experience, skills, and statesmanship will begin a new chapter of prosperity in our nation&rsquo;s history. Congratulations to my friend and colleague, Speaker Paul D. Ryan, as he enters into this exciting and challenging new role.&rdquo;

Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio)

"I want to congratulate Paul Ryan on ascending to the highest position in the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House. He is a bright, articulate member and I wish him the best of luck. I look forward to working together to making the House a productive institution once again, one that gets positive things done for the American people and prepares our nation for the future." <br /><br />"There is no doubt that over the years Speaker Boehner and I have disagreed on many issues, but I have always believed that he tried to do what was best for the United States of America and the State of Ohio. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Speaker Boehner for his 25 years of public service and my best wishes to him in his next endeavor."

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas)

"Paul Ryan is the effective conservative leader that our country needs. He has a strong record on addressing out-of-control federal spending and advancing commonsense, conservative priorities that benefit all Americans. I am confident that the House of Representatives will become a more open and transparent institution under his leadership, and that Speaker Ryan will work with my colleagues and me in the months and years to come to better serve the American people and get our country back on the right path."

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had the pleasure of working closely with Paul Ryan to develop and enact legislation to help put our nation back on track.&nbsp;I look forward to collaborating with him as Speaker to advance policies that will help enable hardworking Americans to prosper.&nbsp;Paul effectively communicates why conservative ideas like simplifying our tax code, reforming our entitlement programs, and reining in wasteful spending will unlock economic growth and enhance opportunities for American families. I believe he is the right man at the right time to help move our nation forward.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.)

&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve worked with Paul Ryan on several issues; he is a smart, well-prepared, and honorable man. While his views, particularly on Medicare, Social Security, and tax and spending issues, are far removed from where the American people are, he&rsquo;s the kind of person who realizes that to get anything done in this country, we can&rsquo;t have a &lsquo;my way or the highway&rsquo; approach. I look forward to working with him.&rdquo;

Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.)

&ldquo;Today, members of The People&rsquo;s House selected a new leader, one who promises to unify the Republican party and move the House, and our country, in a new direction." <br /><br />"In addition to uniting the conference, Paul Ryan has promised to reform the Rules of the House, devolving power to the membership instead of wielding it to achieve ends that the majority of our Republican conference doesn&rsquo;t support. To that end, he has also committed to once again enforcing the Hastert Rule; that legislation won&rsquo;t be brought to the floor without support from a majority of the majority party." <br /><br />&ldquo;These are welcome and necessary changes, and my colleagues in the Freedom Caucus and I pledge to hold Speaker Ryan to these commitments, so that we may renew our fight to advance a conservative agenda on behalf of our constituents and the American people.&rdquo;

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas)

&ldquo;The role of Speaker is a great honor that comes with the great responsibility to oversee and safeguard the House of Representatives. Paul Ryan has a proven commitment to the institution, not only during his time as a member &ndash; quickly rising to be chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and a Vice-Presidential nominee &ndash; but also as a staffer, building robust knowledge of House procedure and the legislative process along the way." <br /><br />"During my time as chairman of the Rules Committee, I have worked for greater openness and transparency in the House, and am confident that these practices will be enhanced under Ryan&rsquo;s speakership. I hope that he can deliver smart and impactful changes while facilitating an environment in which members work together to pass meaningful legislation that makes life better for all Americans. I look forward to working with Speaker Ryan to continue to allow members to present their ideas and openly debate the important issues before us.&rdquo;

Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.)

"Paul Ryan is the right man for the job at this important moment in the history of our great nation. He is a visionary leader and a champion of commonsense reforms that will help restore the opportunity and prosperity families desperately need. I am grateful Speaker Ryan has answered the call to service, and I look forward to working with him and his team as we continue our efforts to strengthen the nation&rsquo;s schools and workplaces."

Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.)

&ldquo;I was proud to support Paul Ryan today for Speaker. He has committed to restoring much needed civility in the House that will unify not only the Republican Conference, but serve to set the tone for tackling our country's biggest challenges. Nominated in a speech by conservative stalwart Trey Gowdy, supported by majorities of all conservative caucuses and groups in the House, and author of one of the most fiscally aggressive budgets in recent history, as Speaker, I am convinced that Paul Ryan will fight for cutting spending and putting our country on a path of financial responsibility that is vital to the future prosperity of this nation."<u></u><u></u><u></u>&nbsp;<br /><br />"I have worked with Paul to fight for affordable health care, lower taxes on small businesses and individuals, increased job growth, balanced budgets and the principles that made our country great. My district shares the Illinois-Wisconsin border with his, and our constituents share solid conservative Midwestern values. Under his leadership, as a Congress we must pursue policies that will help Americans get back to work and provide opportunities for themselves and their families. Together as one body we must wisely and responsibly work on behalf of the people who elected us as their representatives.&rdquo;

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)

&ldquo;I congratulate Paul Ryan on his election as Speaker of the House today." <br /><br />"As he begins his tenure, Speaker Ryan has an important opportunity and duty to restore Congress&rsquo;s constitutional role to debate matters of war and peace." <br /><br />"Over the last 14 years, the authorization for the use of military force (AUMF), passed just days after the horrific attacks on September 11th, 2001, has been used more than 30 times to justify military actions, drone strikes, warrantless wiretaps and indefinite detentions at Guantanamo Bay." <br /><br />"It is past time to repeal this blank check for endless war and re-establish Congress&rsquo;s long abdicated responsibility to debate and authorize military action. The American people deserve a voice on whether or not our nation goes to war." <br /><br />"Earlier this year, President Obama sent Congress a draft AUMF for Iraq and Syria. Since then, it has remained on the Speaker&rsquo;s desk." <br /><br />"After more than a decade of war in the Middle East, it is clear that there is no military solution. Only a comprehensive, regionally-led strategy that addresses the underlying economic, humanitarian, political and diplomatic challenges will ultimately degrade and dismantle ISIL." <br />"In February, I introduced legislation, H. J. Res. 30, which lays out the comprehensive framework necessary to eliminate ISIL and repeals the blank checks for endless war. It&rsquo;s past time for Congress to have a serious debate about our strategy in the region.&rdquo;

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.)

&ldquo;Today, I want to thank John Boehner for his many years of public service. Even when we didn&rsquo;t see eye to eye, I always respected his dedication and I am grateful for his commitment to the American people."<br /><br />"As we begin a new chapter, I want to congratulate Speaker Ryan as he takes this important job. I&rsquo;ve known Paul Ryan for many years. He is a good friend and I wish him well. I appreciate his call to regular order where the opinions of all members of the House are valued and heard and I hope we move in that direction." <br /><br />"While I&rsquo;m under no illusion that Speaker Ryan and I will agree on everything &ndash; we probably won&rsquo;t agree on most things &ndash; I am hopeful that we can work together to find common ground and achieve the bipartisan solutions our country needs. This week&rsquo;s bipartisan votes on the budget and Export Import Bank show that Congress can still get things done. That&rsquo;s what the American people sent us here to do and I look forward to working with him and members of both parties to achieve that goal.&rdquo;

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)

&ldquo;Paul Ryan is a principled, conservative leader who knows how to work with others to get results. I look forward to working with him to help solve the big problems this country faces.&rdquo;
“Paul Ryan is a principled, conservative leader who knows how to work with others to get results. I look forward to working with him to help solve the big problems this country faces.”

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