Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall expressed his support for Scott Bessent, President Trump's nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Senator Marshall highlighted Bessent's potential to benefit small-town America, reform the 45Z tax credit, and extend Trump-era tax cuts.

In his opening statement, Bessent outlined his commitment to advancing President Trump's America First agenda. His plans include securing supply chains, using sanctions strategically, supporting American workers, maintaining the U.S. dollar as the world reserve currency, reducing wasteful spending, and making permanent the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

Bessent's background in South Carolina Low Country gives him firsthand experience with financial struggles faced by families. This experience is expected to guide his leadership at the Department of Treasury.

Senator Marshall's remarks emphasized shared goals for American prosperity despite differing methods to achieve them. He stated: “Many of us share the same goal that we want Americans to be prosperous... Mr. Bessent, welcome and congratulations on your nomination.”

Marshall also pointed out rural America's significant support for President Trump: “I think it could be said that rural America... is President Trump’s base... What can we do to help Main Street, to help small businesses and to help rural America?”

Addressing Bessent's financial expertise and connection to small towns, Marshall asked about his commitment: “Now everyone knows that you’re a financial wizard... How important are community banks to those small towns, and what is your commitment to rural America?”

Regarding the 45Z tax credit aimed at aiding rural areas through renewable diesel production from feedstocks like soybeans or corn, Marshall urged careful consideration: “45Z is a tax credit…it would really help rural America... but what we can’t do is let China benefit from it.”

Marshall stressed the importance of making Trump tax cuts permanent: “On the Trump tax cuts... I can tell you that families back in Kansas were able to keep about $1,000 a month in their pocket after the Trump tax cuts took effect... this issue... is vitally important to rural America.”