Delays, Caps and Chains, Tax Bill Gimmicks Explained

The following article by Lindsey McPherson was posted on the Roll Call website November 7, 2017:

The House Ways and Means Committee began consideration of the tax package on Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Tax cuts are not cheap, so when closing so-called loopholes left House Republican tax writers short of their budget target, they dipped into their grab bag of budget and timing tricks.

“Once you set that cap in reconciliation instructions, it has to fit,” Ways and Means member Carlos Curbelo of Florida said. “So the entire bill is designed to meet the instructions that both chambers passed.”

Republican congressional leaders are using the budget reconciliation process to consider the tax package, which allows them to bypass Senate procedural roadblocks. The catch is the legislation must adhere to parliamentary budget rules.  Continue reading “Delays, Caps and Chains, Tax Bill Gimmicks Explained”