On Wednesday, The Wilmington News Journal published an editorial endorsing the bipartisan job creation bill introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). The American Growth, Recovery and Economic Empowerment (AGREE) Act contains measures from both sides of the aisle — policies that tend to be associated with one party or another, but which Senator Rubio and Senator Coons agree can support job creation in the United States.
Who says bipartisan compromise is impossible?
Two freshman senators don’t think so. Chris Coons of Delaware and Marco Rubio of Florida have bridged the gap between Senate Democrats and Republicans to propose an admittedly small-scale but doable jobs bill.
They have taken some of the best bipartisan ideas for tax and regulation relief put forth by their colleagues in the House and Senate and put them in a single bill that has the look of a winner. It won’t solve all of our problems, but it would be a good start.
Their philosophy is simple: Why not act on the things they agree on?
Democrat Coons and Republican Rubio recognize that the partisan differences in Congress are wide. But the continuing problem of unemployment — 14 million Americans out of work — should force Congress to put aside the squabbling to pass proposals they already agree on.
For example, the bill would extend certain depreciation breaks and provide some Sarbanes-Oxley reporting relief for small businesses. The bill also would give businesses that produce goods in this country a higher research-and-development credit. If Congress doesn’t act soon, the current R&D tax credit expires at the end of December.
Sens. Coons and Rubio have proposed a mix of their and borrowed ideas that should be acceptable to big majorities in both houses of Congress.
If enough members agree, why can’t this or a similar bill be passed?
Not to do so is only further proof of a spiteful partisanship.
Congratulations to Sens. Coons and Rubio for … well, working together. It’s something American people want and expect from our leaders.
Read the editorial in The Wilmington News Journal.
Delawareans are encouraged to click here to review the bill and share their opinions.
Click here to download a more thorough summary of the bill.
Click here to learn more about Chris’ work to create American jobs.