Sen. Pryor: We need comprehensive tax reform

This transcript is automatically generated

The buffet rule.

-- -- The senate -- shooting down plans the would have -- million has to pay a minimum tax rate the president pushed hard for the bill named after billionaire and investor Warren Buffett.

-- my next guest did not Obey orders.

Democrat senate mock trial he's -- -- and senator you all the only Democrat to vote against the Buffett rule why did you do that.

Well for several reasons one is I think.

You know I've traveled the state of Arkansas people are tired of the partisan games that they see in Washington and you know from my standpoint honestly both sides are wrong on taxes I think sometimes President Obama.

He didn't really say this but almost says that basically just tax millionaires enough.

You know all our problems will go away and it in effect and also.

The Republicans I think they're wrong taxes -- they say we should raise taxes on anybody under any circumstances.

Think both those approach is wrong I think we need comprehensive tax reform I do think millionaires should pay their fair share.

But listed as part of comprehensive tax reform along the lines of Simpson Bowles laid out.

That tax reform to -- and tax reform on the Simpson Bowles was basically that you would do away with a lot of -- loopholes but you would also lower income tax rates is that what you mean by tax reform.

That is exactly what I mean -- listen I don't agree that every single line in the Simpson Bowles plan but it gives us a framework.

That we can start with -- and I think it really gives -- a blueprint for how we did this and you know I'm I'm I'm hopeful that at some point this the senate and house we'll get serious about tax reform.

Unfortunately we have a lot of people -- here are not very serious about it right now.

Do you think that there is a developing consensus that says tax reform is the way to go and again that would be.

Loopholes some loopholes gone public and argue about about what loopholes gone tax rates down is there were developing consensus that you -- Right now you know I cannot say that and partly that is because the Grover Norquist phenomenon here where you have so many Republicans who are committed.

-- no new taxes and you know again I'm not trying to put words in the mouth but it almost comes across is no new taxes under any circumstances and I think that's unwise.

But you know Jim -- -- -- is -- gast literally fifteen minutes from now on this program I'll put that directly to him.

Well you should ask you about it because you know I didn't sign on of that tax pledge but most of the Republican senators haven't.

Quite frankly I think when you look at the circumstances were and now I think they're different and I think it's you can justify.

Doing tax reform meaningful tax reform.

Along along generally along the lines of Simpson Bowles recommend it guessing you're OK with bringing more money into the treasury so long existed is lowering rates and cutting out blue balls bats you'll blueprint and that's what you -- yet.

I am okay -- that yes sir.

Thanks for joining us out of the month -- Democrat Arkansas thank you so.

Thank you -- suit again.

Watch Live

Sen. Pryor: We need comprehensive tax reform

Details

Clips

Powerful Politics

Obama pushing spending amid scandals

Trump's advice for dealing with Washington scandals

Mounting similarities between Benghazi and Watergate?

Rep. Bachmann demanding answers on Washington scandals

Growing pressure on Obama to get in front of latest scandals

Rep. Gowdy: Holder had 'a lot' of explaining to do

Health care law under scrutiny amid widening IRS probe

Enron whistle-blower on controversies looming in Washington

Romney donor claims unfairly targeted by IRS

Sen. McCain on Benghazi, IRS scandals

Ohio lawmaker calls IRS targeting GOP a 'crime'

Benghazi probe an effort to undermine Hillary Clinton?

Transcript

Recommended