The American people are concerned about jobs and the economy, our nation's soaring debt, and gas prices which have doubled since President Obama took office. But instead of working with Republicans to address these problems and put in place real reforms, Democrats are spending their time on political gimmicks like the Buffett Tax, which would discourage job growth while doing almost nothing to reduce the deficit. It's time for Democrats to stop playing politics and start focusing on Americans' priorities.

April 16, 2012 - Senator Corker speaks on the Senate floor about the Buffett Tax. With consensus building in both parties toward pro-growth tax reform that would eliminate loopholes and lower rates for all Americans, Senator Corker today opposed the so-called Buffett Tax, saying it is "not intended to deal with deficits" and is "intended to divide." He encouraged all members on both sides of the aisle "who have spoken earnestly and sincerely about pro-growth tax reform and entitlement reform to not follow this folly of division" and "do something that is great for our country."

Our country is currently facing serious economic challenges -- high unemployment, stratospheric levels of debt, high gas prices -- and members of Congress should be focused on offering serious solutions. Instead, Democrats have chosen to offer political gimmicks like the Buffett Tax, which would discourage investment just when our nation really needs it and do almost nothing to reduce our enormous debt. Improving our economy requires both parties to cooperate on things like lowering gas prices by tapping our vast domestic energy resources or eliminating burdensome government regulations to make it easier for small businesses to create jobs. Unfortunately, as long as Democrats are more focused on winning political points than on solving our nation's problems, our economy -- and the American people -- will continue to suffer.

The Buffett Rule is a cynical campaign effort to distract from our economic problems. It does nothing to solve our jobs problem. It does nothing to solve our deficit and debt problem. It does nothing to lower gas prices.