On the Scene: Relief Pitch

Washington, D.C.

IF THE new Republican Party intends to consolidate its hold on the hearts and minds of the electorate, nothing is more important than Senate approval of the tax-cut bill that passed the House just before the Easter recess. The GOP must keep its promise to provide across-the-board tax relief for middle-class families, businesses, investors, and senior citizens. Only if that promise is kept will the voters trust the Republicans to make more far-reaching tax-policy changes such as a Dick Armey-style flat tax, a Bill Archer—style consumption tax, or a radical rollback of the meddlesome and intrusive IRS. Only if that promise is kept will the specter of “Read My Lips” be exorcised. If the Senate Republicans fail to emulate the House tax bill, future Republican fiscal promises— whether the recommendations of Jack Kemp’s tax commission, next year’s GOP platform plank in San Diego, or the presidential campaign itself—will have no credibility. That is why rumors that Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole intends to “split the difference” on the tax bill are so troubling.

About the Author

Larry Kudlow

Larry Kudlow is the author of JFK and the Reagan Revolution: A Secret History of American Prosperity, written with Brian Domitrovic.

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House of Representatives

Washington, D.C.

IF THE new Republican Party intends to consolidate its hold on the hearts and minds of the electorate, nothing is more important than Senate approval of the tax-cut bill that passed the House just before the Easter recess. The GOP must keep its promise to provide across-the-board tax relief for middle-class families, businesses, investors, and senior citizens. Only if that promise is kept will the voters trust the Republicans to make more far-reaching tax-policy changes such as a Dick Armey-style flat tax, a Bill Archer—style consumption tax, or a radical rollback of the meddlesome and intrusive IRS. Only if that promise is kept will the specter of “Read My Lips” be exorcised. If the Senate Republicans fail to emulate the House tax bill, future Republican fiscal promises— whether the recommendations of Jack Kemp’s tax commission, next year’s GOP platform plank in San Diego, or the presidential campaign itself—will have no credibility. That is why rumors that Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole intends to “split the difference” on the tax bill are so troubling.