Grassroots ADVOCACY POLICY EXPERTS MEMBER ENGAGEMENT WASHINGTON WATCH Capital countdown Legislative headway on tax reform and regulatory relief could cap off an encouraging year for the community banking agenda. By Karen Thomas and Paul Merski W ith the first session of the 115th Congress hitting the home stretch, much work remains to be done before lawmakers head home for the holidays. In addition to mustpass spending bills, Congress is working to finalize comprehensive tax reform and advance regulatory relief for community banks. With so much to do in the few remaining weeks of an eventful year in Washington, ICBA is firing on all cylinders to represent the interests of community banks and the communities they serve. Here's a look at where we stand as we head into a furious finish. Tax reform The push for tax reform, long a Republican legislative priority, began almost immediately after the 2016 elections. The Trump administration and Congress have sought to reform the US tax code for the first time in three decades, proposing lower corporate and individual tax rates intended to spur business and economic growth. After months of debate, GOP lawmakers are independentbanker.org ICBA Independent Banker 23http://www.independentbanker.org