NO SURPRISES

Senate Passes Republican Tax-Overhaul Bill

Late-night vote repeatedly interrupted by angry chants of “Kill the bill!” from protesters.

The Senate passed the GOP’s tax-overhaul bill 51-48 in a late-night vote Tuesday, despite repeated interruptions by protesters shouting “Kill the bill!” There were no surprises or last-minute defections, with lawmakers voting along party lines. The legislation, which faced staunch opposition from Democratic lawmakers who say it favors the wealthy, is now expected to be passed by the House and signed by President Donald Trump. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) chided Republican lawmakers ahead of the vote, accusing them of supporting the legislation only to appease major donors. “Let’s call this out for what it is—it’s government for sale,” she said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also came out swinging against the bill, calling it a “disgrace” and a “hefty windfall for the wealthy and only a paltry temporary leap for some in the middle class.” Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who famously was one of only three Republicans to vote against a GOP effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act over the summer, was absent from the vote and spending time with family in Arizona.