5 Republicans To Sink Trump Plan

A group of five Republican lawmakers from high-tax suburban districts is threatening to withhold support for a sweeping tax and spending bill unless the cap on state and local tax deductions is significantly raised. These lawmakers argue that the current cap unfairly burdens their constituents, many of whom live in areas with high property taxes.

They have made it clear that they are willing to vote against the entire package unless an accommodation is made. They believe their strength lies in standing together as a bloc and that doing so gives them greater leverage to push for changes that benefit their districts.

While others within the party have also expressed concerns about the deduction cap, this group is the most resolute in their willingness to withhold votes. They argue that their districts are especially vulnerable to the financial impact of the existing cap and that adjustments are necessary to provide relief to middle- and upper-middle-class taxpayers who are disproportionately affected.

Some lawmakers have proposed an income-based cap on the deduction, targeting relief to households earning under a certain threshold. However, the five lawmakers pushing back strongly oppose tying the deduction to income, insisting that a simple increase in the cap is the fairest approach.

They’ve also clarified that they are not asking for a full repeal of the cap. Instead, they acknowledge that a limit is appropriate due to the existence of provisions like the alternative minimum tax, which already acts as a safeguard against high-income individuals claiming excessive deductions.

Behind the scenes, committees are working to hammer out the specifics of the broader tax plan. The legislation is expected to include a mix of tax cuts and spending reductions, including efforts to rein in programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance. The tax-writing committee has been given a strict ceiling on how much the overall bill can add to the deficit, making negotiations more difficult.

With a tight vote margin in the House, any defection could derail the bill’s progress, making the stance of these five lawmakers a critical piece in the outcome of the final legislation.