Calls for new VAT tax prove unpopular with both Dems, GOP [View All]

[The Northerner]

A range of economists have come to Capitol Hill to sing the praises of a value-added tax (VAT), but their song is falling on deaf ears.

While some elected officials have pledged to keep an open mind about the VAT, many lawmakers from both parties remain far from convinced, with concerns ranging from how regressive VATs can be to the prevalence of consumption taxes elsewhere in the world.

“It’s the worst of all worlds,” said Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “The American people don’t want to be Western Europe.”

That hasn’t stopped economists, including some who once worked for Republican administrations, from arguing in favor of the VAT’s merits.

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/house/147431-calls-for-new-vat-tax-prove-to-be-unpopular-with-both-dems-gop