Washington, D.C. – Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) spoke at The Heritage Foundation at the launch of the 2016 Index of Economic Freedom. The United States ranked 11^th on the global index.

EXCERPTS:
“For another year, America still does not rank in the top ten of freest countries. I think it’s embarrassing. ‘We’re number 11!’ isn’t the motto of this great nation. Freedom matters. But while the world grows freer, we grow less free.

“When President Obama took office, the U.S. ranked number six. Over seven years of higher taxes and bigger government have made it harder for millions of Americans to achieve and provide for their families. We have experienced the most disappointing economic recovery in history. We’re still missing 6 million jobs and there’s a hole in our economy the size of Canada’s economy that should be back by now.

“People across the country need to hear that conservative ideas like lower tax rates and smaller government will make it easier for them find good jobs and improve their lives.

“Ways and Means Committee members are going to move forward to advance a tax code that’s built for growth. We are committed to seizing any opportunity to accomplish exactly that.

“We’ll also take action in the weeks and months ahead to reform our welfare system, promote trade and reduce wasteful spending. We are committed to taking action on commonsense, conservative policies that help America reach its potential.”

Click here to watch the entire speech.