This week the House of Representatives passed tax reform legislation with a vote of 227-205. Thirteen Republicans voted against the measure, in large part due to the elimination of state and local tax (SALT) deductions and a $10,000 cap on property tax deductions.
It is unclear if the Senate will be able to pass its version of tax reform any time soon. There are significant differences, such as an elimination of SALT deductions, including property taxes, as well as a repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. Only two Senators can vote against the bill (assuming no Democrats end up supporting it) for it to be able to pass.
The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced the nomination of R.D. James for the position of Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, a position which oversees the civil works functions of the Army Corps of Engineers. James comes from the Mississippi River Commission, where he has served for many years. President Trump also recently announced two new nominations to fill out the Commission: Major General Richard G. Kaiser as president and Colonel Paul E. Owen as member.
