Lawmakers: Include Unauthorized Worker Provision in Tax Reform Bill

November 06, 2017

Chairman Kevin Brady
1102 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Brady,

We write today to request your support for H.R. 176, the New IDEA Act, as a critical amendment to H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The New IDEA Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to make it unlawful for employers to deduct wages and benefits paid to and on behalf of an illegal alien. It would also make permanent the E-Verify Program for verifying the employment eligibility of alien workers.

Including this legislation in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the right action for the American taxpayer — it preserves the rule of law and provides a significant tax savings. The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) has estimated that eliminating deductibility for unlawful employment would increase federal tax revenues by approximately $25.4 billion per year, which is $254 billion over 10 years. This amount more than pays for any increase in the deficit over the limit set by reconciliation.

As we continue to debate the merits of this bill, and attempt to establish a more equitable system of taxation while ensuring that it does not contribute to our nation's fiscal challenges, I can think of no better single piece of legislative language to include in this landmark tax bill.

The inclusion of this legislation is commonsense. We, the undersigned, kindly request your support for H.R. 176 to be included in Committee mark up and on the floor. Please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or my staff, should you have questions or need additional information.

Sincerely,

Steve King (IA-04)
Member of Congress

Louie Golmert (TX-01)
Member of Congress

Paul Gosar (AZ-04)
Member of Congress

Mo Brooks (AL-05)
Member of Congress

Matt Gaetz (FL-01)
Member of Congress

Andy Biggs (AZ-05)
Member of Congress

Lou Barletta (PA-11)
Member of Congress

Randy Weber (TX-14)
Member of Congress

Scott DesJarlais (TN-04)
Member of Congress

Dunean Hunter (CA-50)
Member of Congress

Brian Babin (TX-36)
Member of Congress

Scott Perry (PA-04)
Member of Congress