Republicans Plan to Skirt Senate Rules to Push Through More Tax Cuts - The New York Times

Republican Strategy to Circumvent Senate Rules

Senate Republicans aim to bypass the Senate parliamentarian to enact further tax cuts. This tactic involves asserting that extending the 2017 tax cuts incurs no additional cost, enabling them to sidestep the traditional process requiring the parliamentarian's approval.

Challenge to Congressional Norms

This move represents a significant departure from established congressional norms, bypassing the customary review process by the Senate parliamentarian, who typically assesses the budgetary impact of proposed legislation. The Republicans plan to let Senator Lindsey Graham, as Budget Committee chairman, unilaterally determine the cost.

Potential for Deficit Increase

The claim that extending the 2017 tax cuts is cost-free is a controversial strategy, potentially allowing for significant tax reductions without a corresponding increase in revenue. This raises concerns about an increase in the national deficit.

Key Players and Actions

• Senate Republicans: Driving the effort to pass tax cuts.
• Senator Lindsey Graham: Will unilaterally determine the legislation's cost.
• Senate Parliamentarian: Bypassed in the Republican strategy.