Republicans reconsider their commitment to tax cuts for the rich in Trump agenda bill
The unexpected debate has emerged as GOP lawmakers look for ways to pay for their massive budget bill and as the party's electoral coalition shifts.
WASHINGTON — Republicans are discussing an idea that has long been anathema within the party: a tax hike on the wealthy.
In a twist, members of the GOP are debating whether to allow tax rates to go up on top earners when major parts of the 2017 tax law expire at the end of this year as part of a massive bill to pass President Donald Trump’s agenda.
The issue has come up in private meetings among Senate Republicans as they grapple with how to limit the red ink and pay for other provisions of their party-line package, which includes additional funding for immigration enforcement and the military.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., confirmed that there has been “some” talk of higher tax rates for the wealthy in “free flowing” conference lunch meetings, saying he finds the conversation “interesting.”
“It’s just so fun to be a Republican these days, just to watch the transformation, where suddenly people are going — when you think about it, why do we worry so much about that?” Cramer said when he was asked whether he favors higher taxes on the wealthy.
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