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The Voter’s Speakeasy featuring unbiased reporting and insight into life at Vote Smart from our staff, interns, and volunteers.

So, What's in the Tax Bill?

2017 December 13

By Alejandro Ortiz & Kathleen Powers   

Many may remember the classic song “I’m Just a Bill” from Schoolhouse Rock!; it’s one of my favorites. It does a great job of explaining the legislative process. But if I were the writer of that catchy tune I would amend the chorus slightly:

“I’m just a bill. Yes I’m only a bill,

And I was rushed into Capitol Hill.

Well, now I’m back in committee

Because Congress violated some rules trying to claim a victory.”

It’s hardly a surprise that the leading party would try to rush a bill into law—both parties do it. This process cost Congress some time in their efforts to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. After the bill was debated in committee it passed for a second time in the House, but violated some budget rules and was edited and sent back for another final vote on December 20th. With this process, it’s easy to get confused about where the bill stands and what provisions remain. So I’m sure you have questions.

These bills are written in ways that make it difficult for many of us to understand or have any interest in reading. Luckily, our team of dedicated Key Votes researchers and advisors read every page of these bills and highlight the facts that impact you, so that you can continue your research from there.

This piece is not an analysis of every aspect of the the bill but outlines some ...

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Political Research Wrap-Up: Politics as usual?

2017 October 09

 The White House and Capitol take on immigration, budgets, and taxes as we approach crucial off-year elections in November. Read on for a glimpse at some of our most recent key research.

Notable Public Statements:

  • Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) views the National Anthem protests as Un-American. Read full statement➤

  • Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) statement after the Trump administration declared their intentions to end the DACA program. Read full statement➤

  • Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) wrote a letter to President Trump urging for additional federal assistance to Puerto Rico. Read full statement➤

  • Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) on the resignation of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tom Price Read full statement➤

  • Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) following the Tax Policy Center’s analysis of the GOP tax reform framework. Read full statement➤

  • Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) following the Tax Policy Center’s analysis of the GOP tax reform framework. Read full statement➤

  • President Donald Trump discussed tax reform at a recent event. Read full statement➤

  • Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) pitched tax reform for middle class families in a recent interview with Face the Nation. Read full statement➤

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