McCain Could Have Another Thumbs-Down Moment

Perhaps not for the first time, President Trump may be regretting his digs at John McCain, given that the Arizona senator could decide the fate of the GOP tax bill. In order to pass the Senate, all GOP senators but two need to vote yes. Though vocal critics Bob Corker of Tennessee and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin voted yes in the Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday, Steve Daines of Montana and Jeff Flake of Arizona have raised their own concerns, per Politico. Offering an in-depth look at McCain's past votes on tax cuts, the New York Times notes "Republicans have reason to worry" McCain could join the latter two in voting no on the bill he has said raises "a lot" of concerns. Calling McCain a known "deficit hawk," the Times notes critics say the bill will add $1.5 trillion to the federal debt over a decade.

A provision being debated, however, could install a "trigger" in the bill to appease those concerned about the deficit. It would allow a tax hike if revenue isn't as high as expected, reports the Times, adding the provision calmed some of Corker's nerves. Politico reports promises of guards against deficit increases have also convinced wavering senators James Lankford of Oklahoma and Jerry Moran of Kansas to vote yes. It's not yet clear what the Senate bill will look like when it comes to a final vote, but Trump has said he expects it will pass, even as opposition grows among US voters, the New York Daily News reports. If it does pass, the Senate and House will need to reconcile their plans, both of which reduce the corporate income tax from 35% to 20%. PolitiFact lays out the plans' differences. (More John McCain stories.)