Trump calls for repeal of ObamaCare mandate, cuts to top tax rate

Source: The Hill




BY NAOMI JAGODA - 11/13/17 10:29 AM EST

President Trump on Monday weighed in on congressional Republicans' tax reform efforts, calling for legislation to repeal ObamaCare's individual mandate and cut the top individual tax rate to 35 percent.

Link to tweet

Trump, who is currently in the Philippines for the last leg of his 13-day tour of Asia, has repeatedly called for the tax legislation to include a repeal of the individual mandate in recent weeks. Repeal of the mandate is not in either the House or Senate bills, but GOP lawmakers say the issue is still under discussion.

Both the House and Senate bills have top individual tax rates above 35 percent. The House bill would keep the top individual rate at 39.6 percent, while the Senate bill lowers the top rate slightly to 38.5 percent.

Achieving both of Trump's requests could be a challenge for congressional Republicans. While repealing the individual mandate would produce savings, some lawmakers are weary of mixing healthcare and tax reform. And cutting the top individual rate could be expensive and help to further Democrats' attacks that Republicans' tax plans are aimed at helping the rich.

Read more: http://thehill.com/policy/finance/360089-trump-calls-for-repeal-of-obamacare-mandate-cuts-to-top-tax-rate