WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While Democrats have largely been critical of the Republican tax reform plan, President Donald Trump has claimed the proposal has some bipartisan support.
Trump suggested to reporters ahead of a meeting with members of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday that 'people on both sides' support the tax reform plan.
'I promised not to mention the name of the people on the other sides, or names -- but a lot of people are liking this very much, and I think we're going to have tremendous support,' Trump said.
Trump later joked with the committee's top Democrat Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., that he was sure the plan would have 'unanimous support.'
The five other Democratic members of the committee that attended the meeting are up for re-election in states that Trump won last year.
The president claimed the Republican tax reform plan would restore America's competitive edge, rebuild America's middle class and renew the promise of the American Dream.
'We'll go from being one of the highest-taxed nations in the world to the one of the lowest taxed, meaning more jobs, higher wages, and more products stamped with the words: Made in the USA,' Trump said.
'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, in my opinion,' he added. 'This is something that will be really unique. The timing is right.'
The remarks from Trump come as the Senate prepares to vote later this week on a budget resolution Republicans intend to use as a vehicle for the tax cuts.
The non-binding budget resolution unlocks the reconciliation process, allowing Republicans to pass their tax reform plan with a simple 51-vote majority in the Senate.
Senate Rand Paul, R-Ken., has indicated his opposition to the resolution for exceeding caps on spending, but the measure is still expected to pass by a narrow margin.
(Photo: Gage Skidmore)
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