New York Republican Rep. Nick LaLota slammed the GOP’s tax legislation, calling it ‘dead on arrival’ and accusing the party’s chief tax writer of proceeding in ‘bad faith’ by proposing a key tax deduction without sufficient buy-in.
The Controversy
LaLota’s criticism comes as leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee released a sweeping tax package that includes policies to increase the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. However, LaLota and other blue state Republicans are dissatisfied with the current proposal that would raise the SALT cap to $30,000 and impose new income limits.
LaLota accused committee chair Jason Smith of presenting a bill that ‘doesn’t even come close to earning our vote.’ This open criticism from within the party poses challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP leaders as they aim to pass the tax legislation.
The SALT Republicans’ Stance
LaLota and fellow SALT Republicans previously rejected a $30,000 cap and expressed disappointment when the committee chair included the same figure in the draft bill. The internal rift among SALT Republicans further complicates negotiations over the deduction.
While some members of the Ways and Means committee argue that the SALT deduction disproportionately benefits high-tax states, others, including LaLota, believe the proposed changes are insufficient. The debate intensifies as lawmakers grapple with income limits and the size of the deduction increase.
Resolution Efforts
The House Ways and Means Committee plans to debate the tax portion of the legislation, with hopes of resolving differences over the SALT deduction before it reaches the chamber floor. House GOP leadership, under pressure to secure support for President Trump’s agenda, faces challenges in appeasing both factions of SALT Republicans.
For the latest updates on this evolving tax legislation saga, stay tuned for further developments.
