President Trump’s efforts to convince moderate Republicans to support the new tax package hit a roadblock on Tuesday as three New York GOP representatives declared their opposition to the bill. The President had urged them to “forget SALT,” but it seems his words fell on deaf ears.
SALT, or State and Local Tax Deduction, has been a major point of contention among Republicans as they work to pass their tax reform plan. The deduction allows taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes from their federal tax bill, and it has been a key issue for lawmakers from high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, and California.
President Trump has been a vocal advocate for eliminating the SALT deduction, arguing that it primarily benefits wealthy individuals in high-tax states and that its removal would help to simplify the tax code and provide tax relief for middle-class Americans. However, his stance has faced strong opposition from lawmakers in these states, who argue that eliminating the deduction would result in a tax increase for many of their constituents.
In an attempt to sway these moderate Republicans, President Trump met with New York GOP Reps. Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota, and Andrew Garbarino on Tuesday morning. However, the meeting did not go as planned, as all three representatives emerged from the meeting as “no” votes on the tax package.
Lawler, LaLota, and Garbarino all cited the elimination of the SALT deduction as their main reason for opposing the bill. They argued that it would hurt their constituents and that they could not support a bill that would result in a tax increase for many middle-class families in their districts.
This development is a significant blow to President Trump’s efforts to pass the tax reform plan, as Republicans can only afford to lose two votes in the Senate and still pass the bill. With the three New York representatives now firmly against the package, it remains to be seen if the bill will have enough support to pass.
The President’s push to “forget SALT” has also faced criticism from Democrats, who argue that the elimination of the deduction would disproportionately benefit the wealthy and large corporations. They have also pointed out that the majority of taxpayers who claim the SALT deduction are not wealthy individuals, but rather middle-class families who rely on it to offset the high cost of living in their states.
Despite the setback, President Trump remains determined to push forward with his tax reform plan. He has promised that the bill will provide significant tax relief for middle-class families and spur economic growth, and he has urged Republicans to put aside their differences and support the package.
In the coming days, the fate of the tax reform plan will become clearer as lawmakers continue to debate and negotiate the details of the bill. It is clear that the issue of SALT will remain a major sticking point, and it will be up to Republicans to find a compromise that can satisfy both sides.
In the end, the success of the tax reform plan will depend on the ability of lawmakers to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the American people. President Trump has made it clear that he is committed to delivering on his promise of tax reform, and it is now up to Congress to come together and make it a reality.
