Republicans Advance Tax Cut and Border Security Bill Amid Deficit Concerns
By Kevin Freking and Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press
May 18, 2025—In a pivotal move, House Republicans passed a substantial tax cut and border security proposal out of the Budget Committee after a rare Sunday night vote. Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the bill’s amendments were minor, aimed at appeasing deficit concerns that initially stalled progress earlier in the week.
The vote, narrowly approved at 17-16, saw a shift as some GOP lawmakers, originally opposing the measure, opted for a "present" vote instead of "no," indicating ongoing internal negotiations. Johnson aims to place the bill on the House floor within the week, asserting it fulfills a mandate from voters.
Despite pushback from several Republicans regarding potential deficits—estimated to increase the national debt by roughly $3.3 trillion over the next decade—supporters maintain that the proposed tax cuts and increased border security funding are essential. Critics, including Democrats, argue that the measures unfairly burden working Americans while favoring wealthier constituents. The bill is projected to facilitate significant tax breaks and tripling the state and local tax deduction cap.
As the proposal heads to the Senate, Johnson emphasized the need for careful negotiation to ensure a smooth passage.
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