This is a big deal for el Trumpo and his proposed tax reforms.
BREAKING: Senate passes $4 trillion budget blueprint in crucial step for President Trump's overhaul of the tax code.
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 20, 2017
The Senate is now voting on a GOP budget resolution for 2018, which allows for tax reform under budget reconciliation
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) October 20, 2017
From the Hill:
The spending blueprint is key to Republicans efforts to pass tax reform because it includes instructions that will allow the plan to avoid a Democratic filibuster.
A last-minute amendment by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) adopting technical and procedural language from the House budget may expedite the budget’s final passage.
A House GOP source says the amendment seems sufficient to avoid a conference committee between the two chambers, and allow the House to simply pass the Senate resolution.
“Passing this budget is critical to getting tax reform done, so we can strengthen our economy after years of stagnation under the previous administration,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
With a 52-seat majority, McConnell had a narrow path to getting the 50 votes needed to clear the budget through the upper chamber.
And just ONE REPUBLICAN voted no – Rand Paul voted with every Democrat.