Audience erupts in laughter when GOP congressman claims tax cuts made economy 'explosive'

SIMI VALLEY, CA — Republicans passed a sweeping tax bill last year that mainly benefited wealthy individuals and corporations, but that hasn’t stopped Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA) from arguing it deeply changed the economy to benefit everyone.

In a debate on Thursday night with his Democratic opponent, Katie Hill, Knight said the economy was “explosive” thanks to the tax bill passed last year. His statements ignore the reality of the bill he voted for, as well as many important details about the economy and people’s quality of life in the U.S.


The event’s moderator, David Maron, asked the candidates about their views on tax cuts.

Hill said the recent tax cuts put a burden on the middle class and “We’re paying for those tax cuts on the backs of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs that are vital for us in future.”

Knight responded, “When the tax cut plan came forward, it was for the middle and lower income. That was exactly what happened.”

Belly laughs and a few gasps reverberated throughout the auditorium in response.

https://thinkprogress.org/audience-laughs-at-rep-steve-knight-after-he-says-the-economy-is-explosive-thanks-to-gop-tax-cuts-15ed400f474d/?fbclid=IwAR0FFKRkejMI3rT1626nKh3aU0fM4jkudNEW_iRPifFQJOEtPTQdg_lbgK4