In his candid letter, Marc Bush urges Congress to launch a new era of tariff-based funding for the federal government. Citing America’s early history without income taxes, he argues that returning to tariffs could help avert shutdowns and stabilize the nation’s budget.
Subscribe
Analysis and Opinions
Income Tax
Policy Analysis
Letter: Congress needs to act now
Key Takeaways:
- Tariff-Based Funding Was Once America’s Norm
- The Letter Warns of the Danger of Shutdowns
- Income Taxes Came Later in U.S. History
- The Appeal for Swift Congressional Action
- Written by Citizen Marc Bush
A Historical Funding Approach
When the United States was first founded, tariffs served as the primary source of revenue. According to Marc Bush, author of a letter urging immediate action, “When our country was founded, our government was funded by tariffs. No income taxes.” His point underscores how the nation once managed its finances without relying on taxes drawn from individual incomes.
Why Tariffs, Why Now
Bush’s letter comes amid broader concerns about government shutdowns, which often result from funding disagreements. He believes returning to a tariff-based system could prevent these stalemates. In his words, “They need to do it again and do it now,” highlighting his sense of urgency for Congress to take bold steps and rekindle this historical approach.
A Call for Congressional Action
The letter is directed squarely at lawmakers, imploring them to rethink how the country meets its financial obligations. By spotlighting tariffs as an alternative revenue stream, Bush suggests it may help avoid the recurring threats that shutdowns pose to government operations and citizen confidence.
Moving Forward
While the original letter offers no specific timelines or detailed policies, its premise is clear: Bush wants leaders in Washington to consider a tariff-centered budget. Whether or not Congress heeds this call, the message serves as a reminder that sometimes, solutions might lie in the past.
