WASHINGTON (SBG) — These are turbulent times on Capitol Hill, with tempers flaring over tax reform.
One flash point; a measure that could lower taxes for those who own or lease private jets.
Back in 2011, Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown railed against even the appearance of tax cuts for jet owners, saying the GOP was only hurting itself while helping the wealthy.
But Brown sponsored a measure in the current tax bill that some argue is a break for the rich.
The Hill reports it would exempt jet owners for paying certain costs related to upkeep and maintenance.
Private owners already pay a higher fuel tax than commercial airlines do, and so some say they should not have to pay the so-called ticket tax — especially since they don’t typically issue taxes.
Brown’s office was quoted as saying it in no way cuts taxes for private jet owners.
The Wall Street Journal wrote that the amendment is bipartisan, and backed by Brown’s fellow Ohio lawmaker Republican Rob Portman.
The article also points out that Ohio is home to two private jet companies, implying that the proposal may be more about state loyalties than anything else — just one example of how the fine print in a 400-page bill could lead to more fights when Congress returns.
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