Representative Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) Meets with ACCF Supporters

ACCF Capital Formation Forum
July 2004

The Honorable Charles B. Rangel, the ranking Democratic member of the House Ways and Means Committee, called for a return to bipartisan cooperation in Congress and a greater respect for differences in opinions. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (HR 4103), which passed the House by unanimous vote and was signed into law by President Bush on July 13, is a good example of the effectiveness of bipartisan cooperation, he told ACCF supporters at the July 15 Capital Formation Forum. “This country has always been respected as a beacon of hope and freedom, but we have now lost so many friends around the world,” he said, adding that he has doubts about U.S. involvement in the Iraqi war and where the conflict is headed. “If I had been in the meetings with the decision makers and had been convinced there was a threat to Israel and certain

The Congressman from Harlem, now completing his seventeenth term, also had some suggestions for the Ways and Means Committee.

“If I were Chairman of the Committee, I would work hard to bring dignity back to the process and to the debate. Relations between Democrats and Republicans on the Committee were much better in the past,” he said. “Republicans caused the bitterness, but Democrats also have their problems with the approach some of their younger colleagues are taking against the GOP. “

Any new Administration will have to deal both with the Federal deficit and the need to simplify the tax code.

Simplifying the tax code and making it equitable will have an impact on business, working people, and charitable organizations, among others, Congressman Rangel explained. In years past, the Ways and Means Committee held seminars at which experts were invited to discuss the impact of tax changes with Committee members. These seminars helped build respect among Committee members for different points of view. Returning to this approach would be good for Congress and for the country, he said.

Turning to the export tax repeal legislation currently awaiting a House-Senate conference to resolve the differences between the two bills, Congressman Rangel told ACCF supporters that while large manufacturers may not be hurt yet by the trade sanctions imposed by the EU, small manufacturing firms are suffering. At the same time, he sees difficulties with the House-passed bill, including the $34 billion the House version of the bill would add to the Federal budget and some of the measure’s extraneous amendments such as the tobacco buyout.

“Democrats believe trade is important and want to see a bill enacted that promotes U.S. exports to other countries. The legislation should also contain environmental standards. Manufacturers and exporters should be able to invest in the U.S. and its workers without facing a disadvantage relative to their competitors in other nations. Our aim should be strong, well educated, and productive workers.”