Congressman DeSaulnier’s Statement on House Passage of the GOP Tax Scam

Washington, DC – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement after Republicans voted to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) out of the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 227 to 205.

“In contrast to the last major overhaul of the tax code signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986, Republican Leadership today jammed a highly partisan 429-page bill through the House of Representatives without regard for its impact on everyday Americans. In California, 3.7 million taxpayers will see their taxes increase by 2027 and in Contra Costa County the virtual elimination of the state and local tax deduction and total removal of the student loan and medical expense deductions will result in an annual loss of over $20,000 in deductions for typical households.

“Over half the benefits included in the bill go to the wealthiest one percent and corporations. Meanwhile, tax deductions for student loan interest, medical expenses, classroom school supplies, continuing education, and transportation are eliminated. The bill would add $1.7 trillion to the national debt, which Republicans will later use as justification for slashing Social Security, Medicare, and future investments in education, workforce training, and infrastructure. The bill will hurt hardworking families for generations to come,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.