A substantial tax and spending proposal is currently making its way through the Senate, with expectations it will soon become law. However, its passage could stir enough controversy to impact Republican candidates negatively.
Senate Moves Forward with Tax Legislation
AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:
The Senate is actively deliberating.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED CLERK: Section 32912 of Title 49 United States Code is amended. One in subset…
RASCOE: A Senate clerk is currently reading the details of President Trump’s extensive tax and spending bill. Republicans are making swift efforts to push a version through the Senate and back to the House. Trump has expressed his desire to have it signed into law by July 4. NPR’s senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson is observing the legislative process and joins us. Good morning, Mara.
MARA LIASSON, BYLINE: Good morning.
Potential Delays in Legislation
RASCOE: Is the Independence Day target for the bill at risk?
LIASSON: There’s a possibility of a slight delay. Although Trump wants the bill ready by July 4, it could face setbacks. The bill successfully crossed a procedural barrier last night with a 51 to 49 vote in the Senate. Republican Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined Democrats in opposition. Nevertheless, under reconciliation rules that prevent filibusters, the bill is set to advance to final Senate approval tomorrow. The Congressional Budget Office and other analysts note that the bill’s advantages are still largely directed toward the wealthy, incorporating significant tax reductions funded by Medicaid cuts, affecting many lower-income individuals, including Trump supporters in conservative states.
Challenges in Bill Compromises
RASCOE: Could the required compromises for passing this bill lead to its downfall?
LIASSON: That’s a pertinent question, yet it’s challenging to foresee the current Republican majority rejecting the president. Trump’s comprehensive legislative agenda is integrated into this bill, and he maintains a strong hold over his party. Over the weekend, he emphasized the personal stakes, stating, “failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal.” Consequently, Republicans face political risks if they oppose it. The pressing question is whether this bill, if passed, will be a political asset or liability for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.
The initial tax bill passed during Trump’s first term was notably unpopular. Public sentiment is generally against tax breaks for the wealthy and Medicaid cuts, and Democrats will leverage this in their campaigns. Meanwhile, Republicans will emphasize tax reductions, making it a central topic in the midterms.
U.S. Actions in Iran and Their Implications
RASCOE: Last week, we discussed U.S. military actions in Iran. What have we learned about their outcomes?
LIASSON: There’s a mix of assessments. Trump claims the strikes severely weakened Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with backing from the CIA and an Israeli estimate. However, a preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency report suggests only a temporary setback, and the International Atomic Energy Agency indicates Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months. While the strikes caused significant damage, the key question is whether Iran will abandon its nuclear ambitions or accelerate them to deter future attacks, similar to North Korea’s strategy.
NATO Summit Developments
RASCOE: What were the notable outcomes of the recent NATO summit in The Hague?
LIASSON: The summit marked a shift in Trump’s stance towards NATO. Previously critical, Trump has accused NATO of being freeloaders and questioned the U.S.’s commitment to Article 5. However, European allies managed to align Trump with NATO’s goals, at least temporarily. They agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, a demand from Trump, earning him credit. Additionally, they praised Trump, with NATO’s Secretary General even referring to him affectionately. Trump left the summit with a changed perspective, stating, “NATO is not a rip-off,” and it remains to be seen if this positive sentiment persists.
RASCOE: Thank you, Mara.
LIASSON: You’re welcome.
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