GOP seeks to sell lack of tax hikes ahead of midterms

Republicans Face Tricky Messaging Task with Tax Bill

Republicans hope a summertime extension of President Donald Trump’s tax cuts locks in enough economic benefits to buck historical political trends and retain their narrow congressional majorities.

But the vast majority of the GOP tax bill being negotiated behind closed doors will likely just extend the 2017 law, meaning most Americans may not see a change in their take-home pay or annual refund.

Republicans insist parts of the bill will ultimately mean tax cuts for specific sectors, citing Trump’s promises to cut taxes on tipped and overtime wages and for older Americans ...