Some Missouri lawmakers in Washington are on the front line of efforts to push Republican tax plans through Congress.
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Missouri)
Senator Roy Blunt and 4th District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler took to the floors of their chambers’ Wednesday to tout the proposals. Among other things, Hartzler noted that deductions for people who don’t itemize would double, leading to a reduction in taxes for workers.
“When our tax bill passes, the simple truth is that it will allow Missouri families, and families everywhere to take home more of their paychecks,” said Hartzler.
The 4th term Congresswoman spoke for roughly a minute on the House floor, where she stated that filers would experience a sharp decrease from the $378 billion they now spend on their tax returns. She also claimed the bills on capitol hill would eliminated special interest loopholes.
Blunt, who has increasingly taken a high-profile role in promoting the tax overhaul, defended the Senate’s procedures after Democrats complained they were shut out of the process.
“This bill came through the regular order process,” said Blunt. “It came through a committee that knew how to defend it. Every Senator had the opportunity to offer any amendment they wanted to offer to improve the final product.”
Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Democrats say they had no time to examine the 500-page document, which included hand written changes, that they were forced to vote on in the middle of the night.
During his five-minute address on taxes before his Senate colleagues, Blunt emphasized the simplicity of filling out the short form for filers who will benefit from the doubling of both the standard deduction and the child tax credit.
“90% of the people are going to fill out their taxes just that way, a form that you may not even have to turn over to sign the bottom and say ‘Here’s what you need to send me back, or here’s what my tax obligation was.”
Democrats point to analyses from nonpartisan congressional groups that conclude working individuals making $75,000 will pay more in taxes by 2027. The also contend important deductions, such as interest on student loans, will be taken away.
The House and Senate have passed different proposals that will require a compromise plan to be drafted in committee. Both chambers will then have to approve a final product before it can be sent to President Trump for his signature.
Doing so would allow Republicans to claim a major victory after the majority party’s lengthy and unsuccessful effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Interestingly, the GOP tax package will likely include a component that will undermine the health care law. The Senate’s bill includes a repeal of the ACA’s mandate that people buy insurance or pay a fine.
Doing away with the mandate generates $370 billion in savings that Senate Republicans must have in order to pass their plan on party lines with a simple majority of votes.
