Posted on 11/17/2017 12:30:13 PM PST by Eddie01
The head of Americans for Tax Reform says he's confident that reform package will be signed into law before December 12
Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) cheered Thursday’s passage of a $1.5 trillion tax cut, but he was feeling as much trepidation as elation knowing his party’s number-one domestic policy goal is now in the hands of the fickle Senate.
Byrne was blunt in the statement he released after the 227-205 vote.
Tax Overhaul Drama Moves to U.S. Senate as House Approves its Bill
"I truly hope the Senate does not let us down yet again," he stated. "They should pass a tax reform bill, and let's get the job done."
Byrne's concern is understandable. The House in May passed a bill to repeal Obamacare only to see the Senate fumble it away. The upper chamber has not even acted on hundreds of other bills sent up by the House.
In addition, there are already signs of discontent within the GOP's narrow Senate majority. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) says he will not vote for the bill unless it offers more relief to small-business owners who do not file returns under the corporate tax. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has expressed concerns over a proposal to repeal the Obamacare tax penalty on people who do not buy insurance.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is complaining about the process, as he did during the Obamacare debate. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and others have serious reservations about adding to the deficit. And if those were not enough obstacles, sexual abuse allegations against Alabama Republican Senate nominee Roy Moore suddenly have jeopardized the GOP's hold on that seat.
Amid those worries, however, America's leading anti-tax activist remains as serene as ever.
Holding out on an important piece of legislation supported by almost every other Republican offers a quick trip to a national TV news show. "There's going to be a parade of people expressing concern and some saying they'll vote against it," said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. "It always happens."
Norquist said some senators are trying to leverage specific changes as the bill works its way through the Senate. Others, he suggested, are looking for publicity. Holding out on an important piece of legislation supported by almost every other Republican offers a quick trip to a national TV news show.
What does announcing support for the bill get a Republican senator? Nothing, Norquist said.
"There is no radio talk show," he said. "There is no national television show."
But Norquist said he does not believe the bumpy ride will prevent the bill from arriving at its intended destination.
"Will they vote 'no'? I don't think so," he said. "It's not quite crying wolf."
Other activists are concerned but hopeful.
"Like the Obamacare repeal, it's sort of becoming immensely complicated," said Michael Johns, executive director of Tea Party Community.
But Johns, who previously worked as a speechwriter for President George H.W. Bush, said the demands of the conservative base and President Donald Trump provide a powerful incentive.
"All of that said, the political expectations ... collectively are that these tax cuts and tax reforms be passed urgently," he said. "It's really that simple."
David Bozell, president of ForAmerica, agreed the Senate is under great pressure to deliver. That does not mean the final product will be great, he added.
"I think they'll get a very weak bill across the finish line," he said.
Bozell added that some conservatives are less than enthusiastic about the House-passed bill.
"Once the Senate gets its grubby hands on it, they'll be less and less excited about it," he said.
Excitement would dwindle even further, said Bozell, if the Senate takes steps such as back-loading the tax cuts to the latter part of the 10-year budget window — or delaying a planned repeal of the tax penalty imposed under the Affordable Care Act on people who fail to obtain insurance.
Bozell also said Senate leaders should have taken steps to head off some of the criticism they now are getting. For instance, he said, the Senate Finance Committee could have addressed McCain's concerns by holding a series of hearings with witnesses testifying about the economic benefits of a lower tax burden and a simple tax code.
"If John McCain wants to have some hearings, just give him some hearings," he said.
Johns said Collins raised some legitimate concerns during the Obamacare debate — for instance, how Medicaid changes might affect low-income Americans. But he said her objection to repealing the mandate is not reasonable. No one should be forced to buy a product or service he does not want, Johns said.
Norquist said the proposal to eliminate the insurance requirement has led to absurd charges that millions of Americans would "lose" their insurance coverage.
"Opening the Berlin Wall did not throw millions of people out of East Germany," he said.
Norquist said he thinks tax cuts are on track to pass — before the Alabama Senate election — and get to Trump's desk.
"I think it's possible two people will vote 'no' if their votes aren't needed," he said.
Probably a big pay off somewhere in that bill.
Yeah right!
I’ll believe it when I see it.
And being realistic about it, if they did take a pass, it just might be the final nail in the coffin of the propriety of this bill.
If they can stomach it, it’s gotta be a real gem of a road apple.
Maybe BANNON has the scoop on some of their misdeeds. :)
Kabuki time. Who will be the Senate’s “principled” objector this time setting up the McCain “screw the country as long as Trumo is sabotaged” moment.
I can tear this tax bill to shreds but I have concluded that we must pass it to save 2018. We can lie about how great it is all year. Then if we win we can start legislative changes and hope to get the massive tax cuts needed for the top 5% that pay the taxers and actually start the growth needed. I do like the Senate killing the pe4nalty tax on obamacare opt outs. and hope that makes it through the conference.I love the fact that we dont allow deduction for the state income taxes , That is wonderful. I am behind what ever we put together for Trumps sake. The Dims just hate that. Screw them.
President Trump will read first or get Lawyers to translate it into English then read it
“Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) says he will not vote for the bill unless it offers more relief to small-business owners who do not file returns under the corporate tax.”
This could be completely remedied by getting rid of the
corporate tax, and pass through all of the income to the owners - with some flat rate (equal to the highest individual rate) being taxed, and withheld by the company, for charities and foreign companies or citizens.
Alternatively, if they get rid of the “Personal Holding Company” provisions, which penalize people who run a passive business (like real estate, or holding interests in other businesses), then that income could be taxed at corporate rates.
HOWEVER, it is unlikely that any such provisions/compromise will be put into law now. We have to, IMHO, take what we can get now, and push for more equity later. It is a simple matter of “the Perfect is the enemy of the Good.” Let’s take 60% of what we want now, and come back for some part of the other 40% later.
Excellent post/analysis - thanks.
McConnell will find enough no votes from others like Johnson who hate the Trump goals and were just elected to 6 year terms and don’t give a darn what the people want.
We need the Swamp drained.
I’m with you.
They need to pass something. Then they can get to reconciliation
So says Grover and his Muzlim wife???
Grover Norquist is Cheap Labor Express operative.
He is also married to a muslim.
Not a friend of the citizens.
In the house bill it Repeals deduction for personal casualty losses except for hurricanes. Also moving expenses except for military. Read the bill it is another ACA.
Does Paul and Cotton support it?
If the Senate bill passes without SALT deductions then the next election is going to be a bloodbath, count on it. It’s a middle-class tax hike.
Watch them.
Upping of the standard deduction might cover the 5%? It is a personal 1040.
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