. . . and democratic process

You already know the legislative process is like making sausage. Seeing this tax plan come together has been gory and gross even by Congress’ lowest standards.

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan passed true, bipartisan tax reform. It was the product of two years’ work, including 30 hearings in the House plus 36 in the Senate. The Reagan administration kicked things off in 1983 by producing a thoughtful three-volume study of options.

This year’s mess has been through zero substantive hearings, and one cursory one. No outside expert testimony on its economic impact.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin deepsixed analysis while promising to show how reform will pay for itself. It’s nowhere to be seen.

A last-minute congressional study showed a $1 trillion deficit increase.

They’re doing life-and-death surgery in the dark.