Senator Kyrsten Sinema reportedly privately told colleagues she will not accept any corporate or income tax rate increases, which could be a big blow to the Democrats’ passing of the trillion-dollar spending plan.
“A major holdup in the talks is Sinema’s opposition to any tax increases for individuals and large corporations,” reports Business Insider.
Reports say that Democrats in the White House and congressional leadership crafted ambitious domestic plans, to be paid for by rolling back parts of the Republicans’ ineffective Trump-era tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations. However, Sinema — who voted against those Trump-era tax breaks — would not tolerate even partial increases.
“This is a guessing game with Senator Sinema. Yeah, we’re all supposed to be on the same team. And that means transparency, communication, and collaboration. Without it, it makes this significantly more challenging,” remarked Rep. Veronica Escobar.
She added, “I don’t know what the red lines are for one U.S. senator who has an amazing amount of power.”
The Senate’s effort to work around Sinema’s opposition isn’t sitting well with House Democrats. Senior House Democrats said it’s unclear if a bill that doesn’t raise tax rates could even win the votes to clear the chamber, where Speaker Nancy Pelosi can only lose three members on any given bill.
Read More: “Tax The Rich” Plan: What’s the Disadvantage?
This issue makes a handful of the most vulnerable House Democrats queasy but is otherwise widely embraced by the caucus, especially influential progressives who say “taxing the rich” should be a no-brainer for the party.
However, some democrat lawmakers said on Wednesday afternoon that they would continue to fight for the “reasonable policy” despite Sinema’s entrenched opposition.
Despite the confusion surrounding Sinema’s position on the issue, the senator herself hasn’t made an official statement about it. Reports are now theorizing that perhaps, Sinema is playing a far more constructive role on tax policy, or is prepared to reverse some of the ineffective Trump-era tax breaks.
As of now, the public can only wait for further reports.
Stay updated here with us at the East County Gazette.
