Moolenaar Questions Treasury Secretary on Tax Reform, Sanctions

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar questioned Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin about the Treasury Department's efforts to implement tax reform.

Congressman Moolenaar highlighted the positive developments tax reform has meant for constituents in the Fourth District including lower tax rates, higher wages, bonuses, and growing small businesses.

He told Secretary Mnuchin about his State of the Union guest, Greg Rynearson, and how Cops and Doughnuts recently announced plans to open a new store.

He also mentioned last month's news from Quad Graphics. The national printing company, with facilities in Midland and Greenville, is contributing bonuses to its employees' retirement plans.

The recently passed tax reform is the largest overhaul of the federal tax code in 30 years so Congressman Moolenaar asked Secretary Mnuchin about the department's efforts to implement the new law.

Secretary Mnuchin pledged that there would be a strong focus on customer service at the IRS, including modernizing the phone system so taxpayers in need of assistance will be able to call someone for help during tax time. The new tax reform law does not apply to returns filed for 2017, but the department is preparing ahead of next year's filing season.

Finally, Congressman Moolenaar questioned Secretary Mnuchin on the department's work to impose sanctions on Iran, North Korea and Russia. Secretary Mnuchin announced at the hearing that his department is reallocating resources to focus on sanctions against Russia. While the secretary declined to specifically name countries involved in cyberattacks against the American financial system he did ask for more funding to combat these threats in the future.

Video of Congressman Moolenaar questioning Secretary Mnuchin can be seen here.

Congressman Moolenaar made the following comment on today's hearing:

"Tax reform continues to be a success for hardworking Michigan residents. They are keeping more of their hard earned money in each paycheck and that is always a good thing. However, the tax code can be tough to navigate so I strongly urge Secretary Mnuchin and the Treasury Department to modernize the IRS and make sure taxpayers are receiving support with their returns this year. Taxpayers can also call my office in Midland for help if they are having a problem with the IRS."

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