Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) addressed the House of Representatives Tuesday afternoon ahead of a vote on the Republican tax reform bill, and after briefly being interrupted by a protester, lauded how the reform would provide relief for American families and support entrepreneurs.
He was introduced by Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R., Texas), who said Ryan has "devoted his life to this moment."
The Speaker of the House began by thanking the members and staff of the Ways and Means Committee for their work on the bill.
Ryan then announced: "Today we are giving the people of this country their money back. This is their money, after all."
A protestor then halted Ryan's speech, shouting "You're lying," leading to her dismissal and a delay to the speech.
When he started again, Ryan pushed back on criticism that the bill would raise taxes.
"The bottom line here is the typical family making the median income in America will get a $2,059 tax cut next year alone. What this is, is real relief for families who are living out, paycheck to paycheck," he said.
Ryan said this should give hope to Americans that have seen good jobs go away and haven't seen an improving economy.
"Because we know exactly where the status quo leads us. For years, the powers that be have blocked and stonewalled reform under the umbrella of an arrogant, condescending and paternalistic ideology," Ryan said.
He warned that approach views the economy as a zero-sum game that impedes growth.
"Given the opportunity, there are no limits to what our workers and our entrepreneurs can do. While the world has changed, while the world's become more competitive– closer, smaller–our tax code has not," he said.
Ryan concluded his speech by talking about how big the stakes are for passing the bill.
"We talk a lot in these jobs about turning points. There is no doubt that we are at one of those turning points right now," Ryan said.
"A nation more united, more confident, more prosperous and, Mr. Speaker, more free," he added. "Pass this bill."
The House went on Tuesday afternoon to pass the final conference version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which now moves to the Senate for a vote.