Oklahoma Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin discusses President Biden’s claim that inflation in July was ‘zero,’ arguing that the ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ will negatively impact the U.S. economy. EXCLUSIVE: Lawmakers’ frustrations over Congress’ new tax bill are forcing House GOP leaders to rely on Democrat votes to get it over the line next week, sources said. House leadership released details for the bipartisan agreement from House and Senate negotiators earlier this week, which includes tax deductions to bolster American businesses as well as a temporary extension of the Child Tax Credit (CTC).
Three sources told Digital that they understand the bill will get a vote on the House floor next week. Normally, legislation will advance through the Rules Committee first and then get a procedural “rule” vote on the House floor, almost always along party lines, before needing a simple majority to pass. But the sources told Digital that Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., aim to push it straight to the House floor under “suspension of the rules,” bypassing procedural steps in exchange for raising the threshold for passage to two-thirds.
The move by GOP leadership comes amidst tensions within the party, particularly with the Freedom Caucus and suburban Republicans. Republican hardliners have previously used the rule vote to block legislation in protest of House GOP leaders’ decisions. Johnson holds a slim majority and raising the threshold for passage means he will need bipartisan support, including at least 75 Democrats, to pass the bill.
The tax bill has faced criticism from various factions within the Republican Party. Suburban Republicans from states like New York and California are frustrated that the bill does not address state and local tax (SALT) deductions. They argue that lifting the cap on SALT deductions is crucial for middle-class families and could impact the outcome of the next Congress.
Meanwhile, members of the Freedom Caucus have separate concerns with the bill, particularly regarding the Child Tax Credit (CTC). They argue that the CTC could be claimed by illegal immigrants with children in the United States. Some members feel that the bill does not prioritize spending cuts and border security, which were key promises made by Republicans.
Chairman Smith defended the bill’s provisions, stating that the Child Tax Credit reforms maintain the structure implemented during the Trump-era GOP tax reform. He emphasized that the plan still requires a Social Security number for children and does not provide special loopholes for illegal immigrants.
Despite the internal divisions, the bill is expected to pass with bipartisan support, as it sailed out of committee with a 40-3 vote. However, the decision to bypass procedural steps and rely on bipartisan support highlights the challenges faced by Speaker Johnson in navigating a deeply divided GOP conference.
Digital reached out to Johnson’s office for comment but did not immediately receive a response. The bill’s passage will be a crucial test for Johnson’s leadership, as he oversees a razor-thin majority in a highly polarized political climate.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital focused on Congress as well as the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News. Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected] Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more politics content.
