Senate approves Kies for Treasury tax policy post

The Senate confirmed Kenneth Kies to the top tax policy position at the Department of the Treasury by a 53 – 45 vote, positioning him to play a pivotal role in developing and implementing tax legislation affecting individuals and businesses. (For prior coverage, see Tax News & Views, Vol. 26, No. 15, May 2, 2025.)

Kies’ confirmation vote, which divided cleanly on party lines, came as the Senate was actively considering the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and just ahead of the expected release of its legislative text – a sweeping package that includes a substantial tax component. In addition to addressing expired and soon-to-expire TCJA provisions, the bill would enhance incentives for business investment, and offer targeted relief for individuals and families, which partially offset its cost through the inclusion of revenue raising provisions, such as repeal or limitation on various clean energy credits. During an April Finance Committee hearing, Kies underscored the importance of extending the 2017 TCJA provisions beyond their scheduled expiration. (For prior coverage, see Tax News & Views, Vol. 26, No. 14, April 11, 2025.)

“TCJA has proven to be a very successful pro-growth piece of legislation, particularly if you look at the revenue that’s been generated from 2017 to 2024,” Kies said. “Making it [2017 TCJA] permanent will lock-in the benefits of those provisions,” he added.

Kies expanded his analysis in response to a question from Senate Finance Committee Member Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) that was included in a question and answer report for the record released by the committee.

“There are numerous pro-growth provisions from the TCJA. The TCJA lowered rates across the board for families and businesses alike. Additionally, cost recovery provisions like full and immediate expensing significantly boosted economic growth. These reforms, among others, have been proven to demonstrate increases in wages, investment, and job creation. Extending the TCJA is essential for future economic growth.”

Although most of the recent focus has been on the Senate’s confirmation vote, Democratic concerns about Kies’ appointment were raised earlier in the process. At his nomination hearing two months ago, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) questioned his impartiality, citing his past work with corporate clients that could be affected by Treasury policy.

“Given your history of repeatedly passing through the revolving door to facilitate corporations’ attempts to evade taxes, the public will have reason to question your impartiality and commitment to serving the public’s interest if you are confirmed for this role,” wrote Warren.

Kies is a former senior aide on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Committee on Taxation, and a longtime lobbyist.

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