Well this is a bit unexpected. Bob Corker, who refused to vote yes the tax bill when it was in the Senate a couple of weeks ago, is now apparently going to support it:
Corker says he's a yes on tax bill: After great thought and consideration, I believe that this once-in-a-generation opportunity to make U.S. businesses domestically more productive and internationally more competitive is one we should not miss.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 15, 2017
Corker says he's a yes on tax bill: We could be at least $500 billion short on a $43 trillion policy baseline, I believe this bill accompanied with the significant regulatory changes that are underway, and hopefully, future pro-growth oriented policies
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 15, 2017
Corker switches to yea on tax bill after opposing initial version: "I think we are better off with it. I realize this is a bet on our country’s enterprising spirit, and that is a bet I am willing to make.”
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 15, 2017
With Rubio solidly behind it and now Corker, it looks like they will have the votes to get this bill passed. I think Lee and Collins are still undecided, but at this rate I think we could pass it without them if they are the only holdouts left.
Susan Collins ❓
— RANsquawk (@RANsquawk) December 15, 2017
Bob Corker ✅
Jeff Flake ❓
Mike Lee ❓
Marco Rubio ✅
This tweet suggests Flake is another holdout, but he did vote for the initial Senate bill, so I’d expect he’s probably onboard. But even if it he isn’t, I think at least Lee and Collins will end up announcing they are a Yes as well.
UPDATE:
Matt Viser at CNN and the Boston Globe says it’s a done deal now:
With Bob Corker now a yes on the tax bill — and with Marco Rubio back on board — it’s all over but the voting. The tax bill will pass.
— Matt Viser (@mviser) December 15, 2017