GOP/TAXES: “Several Republican senators expressed last-minute doubts about the tax-overhaul plan in Congress, possibly an attempt to strengthen their negotiating positions before a compromise plan set to be released on Friday [12-15-17] and final votes planned for early next week.
The presence of the wavering senators, plus concerns about the health of two others, underscored the fragile position of Republicans as they try to pass a sweeping $1.4 trillion overhaul of the tax code through a Congress with narrow majorities and no Democratic support expected.
On Thursday, Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) said he would vote against the bill if the final measure doesn’t expand child tax credits for low-income households beyond what is currently envisioned. Sen. Mike Lee (R., Utah), who has also wanted a more generous child tax credit, is also undecided on the tax bill in its current form, a spokesman said.
Senate Republicans passed their tax bill 51-49 earlier this month, leaving them little margin on the final version that will emerge from a House-Senate conference committee. Mr. Rubio and Mr. Lee both voted for the bill that passed the Senate.
Others say they are wavering. Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.), the lone GOP no vote earlier this month, says he is undecided on the final version. Sens. Susan Collins (R., Maine) and Jeff Flake (R., Ariz.) also say they are waiting to read the final version.
Further complicating matters, Sens. John McCain (R., Ariz.) and Thad Cochran (R., Miss.) have had health issues and missed votes this week. Party leaders are counting on their votes next week.”
-Siobhan Hughes, Kristina Peterson, and Richard Rubin, “Several Republican Senators Press for Late Changes in Tax Bill,” The Wall Street Journal online, Dec. 14, 2017 09:56pm