The Senate voted Wednesday to open debate on a $1.4 trillion tax bill after Republican leaders worked out preliminary deals to the smooth over the concerns of several Republican lawmakers.
The final tally was 52-48, passing strictly along party lines. The vote means the bill is now open to debate and unlimited amendments, several of which are expected to win approval and become part of the base bill.
Debate began shortly after President Trump promoted the GOP tax reform plan in St. Charles, Missouri.
“As President Trump made clear today, fixing our broken tax code is about two things, helping hardworking Missouri families keep more of what they earn and ensuring there are more opportunities and better-paying jobs for every American,” Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said after the speech.
The base legislation lowers corporate and individual tax rates while ending many deductions. It also effectively repeals Obamacare’s mandate to purchase health insurance by eliminating the fine for not having coverage.
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