Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today issued the below statement following the passage of the Senate Republican tax bill:

"When I came to Washington nine years ago, I would have never believed that something this cynical could happen on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

"The Senate passed a tax bill that has been sold to the American people with falsehood after falsehood. Republicans claim this is for the middle class. It is not. In its first and best year, those with incomes over $1 million receive an average tax cut of $59,000 under this plan, while those who earn less than $50,000 receive just $160. It gets worse from there.

"Republicans claim this plan pays for itself, just like they claimed when they cut taxes in 2001 and 2003. It won't. Instead, this plan borrows over $1 trillion from our kids and grandkids. It is the sons and daughters of Colorado's teachers, firefighters, and police officers who will have to pay back that bill. And for what? To end poverty in America? No. To invest in infrastructure or health care? No. To strengthen our safety net? No. But to fritter it away on tax cuts for the wealthiest people in America.

"All of us have a job to do: leave more opportunity, not less, to those who'll come after us. The Senate has shamefully abdicated that responsibility."

Bennet delivered a speech on the Senate floor in opposition to the tax bill. A copy of the video is available HERE.