Behind the Scenes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A Conversation with Andy Koenig

Washington, D.C.-For many Americans, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) meant a little more breathing room in their budgets. But behind that signature piece of legislation was a team of policy professionals navigating a deeply complex and often unpredictable political landscape.  

Andy Koenig, who served in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs and now co-founder of Quinn Consulting, had a front-row seat as the TCJA took shape. “We learned a lot from the failure to repeal Obamacare,” Koenig explained, reflecting on how miscommunication and competing agendas nearly derailed that earlier effort. “So, when it came time for tax reform, we made sure to bring everyone to the table early, House, Senate, and White House.” 

That collaborative effort led to one of the most sweeping overhauls of the tax code in decades, slashing corporate tax rates and increasing deductions for individuals and small businesses. Koenig shared how important grassroots advocacy groups like Americans for Prosperity were in helping simplify the bill’s message for the public, though he admits the name could’ve used some of President Trump’s signature flair. 

He had heard that “the President wanted to call it ‘Cut, Cut, Cut,'” Koenig said with a laugh. “Honestly, that might’ve helped us better explain it to the American people.” 

Despite the complicated name, the results, Koenig argues, were clear: increased take-home pay, millions of new jobs, and a boost in manufacturing. “Revenue actually went up after the tax cuts,” he said, citing a $2.7 trillion increase over what the Congressional Budget Office originally projected. 

But now, key provisions of the TCJA, especially those benefiting individuals and small businesses, are set to expire. If Congress doesn’t act, families could see tax hikes of up to $2,500 per year. “That’s the last thing Americans need right now,” Koenig warned, “especially after the pandemic and inflation.” 

His message? Simple: that TCJA worked, and it’s time to make it permanent.