Marc Gerson, former majority tax counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means, commented on the new tax package introduced by House Republicans setting forth their tax agenda. Discussions began at a Tuesday markup session where Democrats and Republicans were expected to spar over several provisions left out of the tax package that are considered Democrat priorities. Gerson said the tax package "is setting the Republican priorities," adding that "[t]here's got to be this last push for a big tax bill before next year."