A group of Senate Republicans emerged Monday from a powwow with President Trump sounding optimistic, or at least hopeful, that the tax cut bill will get finished before the end of the year.
“There is growing momentum for this and I’m confident we will get it done soon,” said Sen. Pat Toomey, Pennsylvania Republican, and one of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee members at the White House meeting.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, Utah Republican, said the process would go smoother if Democrats would “get off their duff” and work on the legislation, rather that remaining in lockstep opposition to the effort.
Asked by reporters whether he thought the bill would get final approval before Mr. Trump’s Christmas deadline, Mr. Hatch said, “I hope so.”
The GOP senators said the bill would achieve the goals of tax relief for the middle class while creating a better business environment in the U.S. that creates jobs and raises wages.
Sen. Tim Scott said the bill would help workers who live paycheck to paycheck.
“We want to make sure we lift some of the burden by letting you keep more of your hard-earned money,” said the South Carolina Republican.
Senate Republicans hope to pass the bill this week.
The House passed its version of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act earlier this month.
If the Senate passes its bill, the two versions will have to be combined into a single bill and approved by both chambers before Congress can send it to Mr. Trump’s desk.
Several sticking points remain for the legislation.
At least five Republicans have voiced concerns. With no Senate Democrats expected to support the bill, Senate Republicans can only suffer three GOP defections to pass it in the narrowly divided chamber.
Mr. Hatch said they are working with every Republican member to address concerns and get the bill across the finish line.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.