Scalise Pushes for Passage of Sweeping Economic Bill: “More Money in Your Pocket”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise made a full-throated push for passage of a major economic and tax reform package that, he says, would deliver significant financial relief to working Americans and boost the nation’s economic competitiveness. 

In a conversation just before the House passed the legislation to the Senate, Scalise criticized political opponents and media skeptics for focusing on deficit numbers and GDP growth metrics that, he says, don’t reflect the financial anxieties of everyday Americans. 

“If you’re a guy making $50,000, $70,000 a year, you don’t care about debt-to-GDP,” Scalise said. “All you care about is, do I have enough money to go on a vacation, save for my kid’s college? Can I fill my grocery cart? Can I fill my car up?” 

Scalise’s wants to extend and expand provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which are set to expire in December. Without action, Americans could see tax increases across all income brackets, something Scalise calls “a gut punch to the middle class.” 

He highlighted specific measures in the new bill, including the permanent extension of small business tax relief, elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay, and new incentives for domestic energy production. The plan also includes expanded work requirements for welfare programs, including Medicaid and SNAP. 

Scalise said the bill reflects priorities that the GOP, and President Donald Trump, campaigned on tax relief, energy independence, and border security. “Americans are capable of extraordinary things when they have the freedom and opportunity to do so,” he said. “This bill helps unlock that potential.” 

The measure, which has faced internal party tensions and skepticism from Democrats, promises roughly $1.5 to $1.7 trillion in savings through changes to mandatory spending, the largest such savings package in U.S. history, according to Scalise. 

The House Majority Leader addressed the internal tensions that had surfaced during the process. He acknowledged that negotiations within the Republican conference had been intense but said the final outcome was a win. Reflecting on his earlier message to hesitant members, “You didn’t come up here to vote no and let America crash and burn.” He emphasized that, despite disagreements, the conference ultimately came together to move the legislation forward.  

As the legislation heads to the Senate, Scalise remains confident. “Most Americans want the relief in this bill. They’ll feel it where it matters most, their wallets.”