House of Representatives Passes Budget, Clearing Way for Tax Reform

The House of Representatives just passed a budget measure, paving the way for tax reform. The measure passed by a slim margin of 216 to 212, with many Republicans refraining from supporting the measure.

The budget has been a point of contention among Republicans because, while it opens the door to large-scale tax cuts, it adds significantly to the national debt. The New York Times reports: “The budget measure would allow for a tax bill that adds as much as $1.5 trillion to federal deficits over a decade, at a time when the federal government is already piling up more and more debt, which has now topped $20 trillion.”

A group of hardcore conservative lawmakers known as the House Liberty Caucus opposed the budget on this basis alone:

Not only that, but the budget measure was opposed by many lawmakers from high-tax states like New York and New Jersey. That’s because the proposed tax reform package eliminates deductions for state and local taxes. For residents of high-tax states, this could mean a higher tax bill come April 15th.

Regardless, this was a big victory for Republicans. After failing to repeal Obamacare in any significant fashion, the GOP is hard-pressed to show accomplishments to voters as we head into the 2018 election cycle.

President Trump recently warned Republicans that failing to pass tax reform was going to be a Republican death sentence come next fall.

Republicans need something to show after having control of the government for nearly a year. Passing tax reform for the first time in 30 years would be that much-needed win.

What do you think? Are tax cuts worth it, even if they blow up the national deficit? Tell us your thoughts on this budget measure below in the comments section, and share this news over Facebook now!

Jim E. is a true political insider, with experience working both in Washington and outside in real America. Jim... More about Jim E

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