NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) took aim at Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) and other House Republicans on Friday, criticizing their ongoing demands to expand the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap during the reconciliation process of major tax legislation. Appearing on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus, Kennedy didn’t hold back in voicing his frustration, saying it’s time for lawmakers to “adult real hard” and move forward.
The conflict stems from House Republicans’ insistence on raising the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000. This increase was included in the House-passed version of the bill on May 22, largely to appease lawmakers from high-tax states like New York. Lawler supported the bill only after this provision was added.
However, once the bill reached the Senate, the cap was returned to its original 2017 level of $10,000, triggering opposition from several House Republicans who now threaten to withhold their support unless the higher cap is restored.
Kennedy, a key voice in Senate negotiations, urged colleagues to stop stalling over specific demands and focus on the broader goal of preserving tax relief. “Our quarterbacks are John Thune and Mike Crapo – they are rock stars trying to make everybody happy. It can’t be done. We’ve cussed and discussed and rediscussed,” he said. “We need to start voting.”
With his signature wit, Kennedy added: “Everybody needs to adult real hard and the jackassery has to stop. I have encouraged John and Mike to tell everyone, ‘We’ll start voting tomorrow at noon. If you are not happy, offer an amendment.’”
Kennedy was particularly direct in his criticism of Lawler and a handful of colleagues demanding further concessions: “I love Congressman Lawler, I respect Congressman Lawler, but he and about four of his colleagues are demanding that the American people spend over $300 billion – not million, $300 billion – to make them happy. That is unacceptable.”
He continued, “If the congressman wants to vote against the bill, have at it. But it is time to vote. I wouldn’t make any changes to the SALT provisions. If you’re unhappy with that, vote against it or fill out a hurt feelings report.”
President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the issue, advising Lawler earlier this year to drop his demand to expand the deduction cap. The $10,000 limit was originally set by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a hallmark of Trump’s first term.
Kennedy emphasized that no piece of major legislation will make everyone happy, but the broader interest of the American taxpayer should come first. “Some people are just going to have to settle for a ham and egg sandwich without the ham,” he concluded. “That’s just the nature of the beast.
PLAY:
