GOP group launches new TV ad on tax reform

A group aligned with Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Tuesday is launching a new television ad on tax reform, as President Trump has been applying pressure on lawmakers to quickly pass a rewrite of the code.

The $2.5 million ad campaign from the American Action Network (AAN) features the story of a Wisconsin couple, Jim and Lindsay Pratt, explaining how a tax overhaul could help their family.

“America’s tax code is too complicated,” Jim Pratt says in the ad. “So, a little tax relief from Congress — with a simpler, fairer tax code — gives working families like ours peace of mind.”

The new ad comes as Trump has been calling on lawmakers to pick up the pace on their tax overhaul efforts. During a Cabinet meeting on Saturday, the president said he wanted a “speed up” of tax reform in light of recent hurricanes.

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The ad will air in 23 congressional districts — including those of Ryan, leaders of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and GOP lawmakers who could be vulnerable in the midterm elections, according to the AAN. The campaign is part of AAN’s multimillion dollar effort to sell tax reform which has also included other ads on television, radio and digital platforms.

“Hard-working families and small businesses know far too well the burden the current tax code places on them,” Corry Bliss, AAN executive director, said in a statement. “Working families have had to stretch their paychecks to make ends meet for long enough, it’s time for Congress to do their part and make our tax code simpler, fairer and with lower rates. Now is the time for lawmakers to work together and deliver much needed relief.”

AAN is one of several groups that has released ads pressing lawmakers on tax reform. The Chamber of Commerce launched a seven-figure ad campaign last week that is initially focusing on GOP lawmakers from New York who are in competitive districts.