“I think it’s existential to the appearance, to the reputation, and to the efficacy of Congress, to get tax reform done,” Rep. Francis Rooney (R-Fla.) told The Hill.

Coming off of a bruising defeat on healthcare reform, the GOP is motivated to end the year with a big win ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.

“2017 is the year for tax reform,” House Ways and Means Committee member Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) said. “As you move into an election year, let’s face it, things get more controversial and more difficult.”