Sen. Jeff Flake says he will vote for Senate tax reform bill
Dec 1, 2017, 11:24 AM | Updated: 11:35 am
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said Friday he would vote for a tax reform bill that was being worked through the Senate.
In a statement, Flake said he would not have supported the bill had two specific points not been met: The removal of an unspecified $85 billion “expensing budget gimmick” and a commitment to work on fair and permanent protection for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients.
“Having secured both of those objectives, I am pleased to announce I will vote in support the tax reform bill,” Flake said.
However, Flake did not disclose more details about the DACA agreement. One report said the deal did not include any specifics on timing or substance of a DACA plan, just that Flake would be involved in creating it.
WHAT DID FLAKE GET ON DACA?: WH aide Marc Short tells me he will be part of the conversation. ("Happy to include him".)
Me: Does that mean any agreement on timing (this year or no), substance?
Short: No, it is to include him in our talks.
— Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) December 1, 2017
Flake had previously expressed concerns that the tax reform bill would add to the nation’s deficit, but he did not mention that issue in his statement.
The bill would add an estimated $1.5 trillion to the debt.
Arizona’s other senator, John McCain, said Thursday he would vote in support of the bill.
“I believe this legislation, though far from perfect, would enhance American competitiveness, boost the economy, and provide long overdue tax relief for middle-class families,” he said in a statement.
Both McCain and Flake’s support could lead to the Senate passing the bill. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Friday he believed the Republicans had enough support within the party to approve it.
The tax reform bill could be voted on as early as Friday.
