WASHINGTON (AP/CLARKSVILLENOW) — The House has passed the most sweeping rewrite of the nation’s tax laws in more than three decades. The bill now goes to the Senate for an expected vote Tuesday evening.
The House approved the bill by a mostly party line vote of 227-203. The bill represents the first major legislative victory for President Donald Trump.
The $1.5 trillion package would provide steep tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy and more modest cuts for middle- and low-income families. The business tax cuts would take effect in January. Workers would start to see changes in the amount of taxes withheld from their paychecks in February.
The bill would nearly double the standard deduction used by most taxpayers, while those who itemize would lose some deductions.
House Speaker Paul Ryan is hailing the Republican tax package, saying “today, we give the people of this country their money back.”
Ryan was wrapping up debate on the House floor on Tuesday ahead of the vote on the $1.5 trillion tax package. It was the realization of Ryan’s years-long work on tax policy.
Protesters disagreed.
On woman yelled from the vistors’ gallery: “You’re lying. You’re lying. Only rich will benefit.” She was escorted out of the chamber by Capitol Police.
Another woman told the Wisconsin Republican he needs to learn math.
Several protesters briefly disrupted House debate on the tax bill, yelling, “kill the bill. Don’t kill us.”
Police removed the demonstrators from the visitors’ gallery and debate proceeded, with Republicans and Democrats alternating in speaking about the $1.5 trillion package.
Several Democratic lawmakers applauded. The last protester escorted out of the gallery nodded toward the Democrats and said, “thank you.” Republicans did not applaud, but several could be seen smiling.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the tax overhaul legislation facing votes today in Congress is a “huge deal for America.”
Speaking on “Fox and Friends” Tuesday, Sanders said, “Today is a huge day, not just for the White House, not just for Congress but most importantly for America.”
Sanders said middle class Americans will “see the biggest benefit out of this tax package.”
President Donald Trump was hailing the performance of the stock market as the House and Senate brace for votes that majority Republicans are confident will produce the most far-reaching overhaul of the U.S. tax code in decades.
In an early morning tweet Tuesday, Trump savors what would be his biggest legislative accomplishment as president, and says “DOW RISES 5000 POINTS ON THE YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER — MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
He also says, “Stocks and the economy have a long way to go after the Tax Cut Bill is totally understood and appreciated in scope and size.”
The president adds, “Immediate expensing will have a big impact. Biggest Tax Cuts and Reform EVER passed. Enjoy. And create many beautiful JOBS!”
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