Speaker Ryan’s remarks:

“I want to start off by thanking the American people, our constituents, for sending us here to do this work for them. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress has passed in decades to help the American worker, to help grow the American economy. This is profound change, and this is change that is going to put our country on the right path.

“For all those millions men and women in America who are living paycheck-to-paycheck, who are struggling to get ahead—help is on the way. For all those businesses that are tied with one hand behind their back in this global economy, having a hard time competing—help is on the way.

“I want to thank Chairman Kevin Brady. I want to thank all the men and women who made this possible. This has been a long work in progress. And what this achievement marks is a promise that this majority made, and a promise this majority is keeping. We said in 2016 that it would take real tax reform for families and businesses to get the American economy growing, and we were serious. The American people placed their trust in us to do this work for them. And today we’re making good on that promise. We’re fulfilling that promise. And this promise being kept today is one of the most important things we could do to get the U.S. economy growing faster, to help get people bigger paychecks, to have a fairer tax system, and to simplify the system so we can have more peace of mind.

“So Kevin said it the right way: On January 1, Americans are going to wake up with a new tax code. In February, they’re going to see withholdings go down so they see bigger paychecks. And April 15 will be the last day they have to comply with the old, bad system.

“This is a good day for America. This is a good day for workers. This is a great day for growth. And we’re very excited about this moment.”


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