WASHINGTON: The House planned to move quickly to hold a final vote on the tax bill after the Senate gave its approval early Wednesday. The House Rules Committee held an 8am (8pm Thailand time) meeting on the bill, a procedural step before the full House was set to vote later in the day.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday was an important day for the United States.
"We had a historic victory for the American people," Trump said of the tax bill before a meeting with his Cabinet. "It will be an incredible Christmas gift for hard-working Americans."
The revisions to the tax bill made in the Senate are minor, so there is no suspense about the outcome of the House's final vote. Before the vote, there will be 20 minutes of debate, according to a schedule released by the majority leader, Republican Representative Kevin McCarthy of California.
Trump congratulated Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican, Kentucky, the majority leader, on Twitter on Wednesday, "on having done a fantastic job both strategically & politically on the passing in the Senate of the MASSIVE TAX CUT & Reform Bill. I could have not asked for a better or more talented partner. Our team will go onto many more VICTORIES!"
The need for a second vote gave ammunition to Democrats, who have already accused Republicans of trying to rush the tax overhaul through the House and Senate.
"The House revote is the latest evidence of just how shoddily written the GOP tax scam really is," said Rep Nancy Pelosi of California, the House Democratic leader. "The wealthy and well connected will be exploiting the hidden loopholes and giveaways in the GOP tax scam for years to come."
Trump is scheduled to hold a "bill passage event" at the White House with lawmakers Wednesday afternoon, where he is expected to continue his victory lap on the legislation's passage.