Wheelin’ and Dealin’ McConnell in Full Force on GOP Tax Bill

Wheelin’ and Dealin’ McConnell in Full Force on GOP Tax Bill-rollcall: Senate Republicans on Wednesday evening got the necessary votes to launch debate on the party’s measure to overhaul the U.S. tax code. But this came after a day of backroom deal-making by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that could lead to several major changes to the current version of the legislation.

In House, California Dreamin’ on Tax Deductions

In House, California Dreamin’ on Tax Deductions-rollcall: House Republican leaders and tax writers are working to at least partially revive the state and local income tax deduction in a bid to solidify support from California GOP lawmakers in any final tax bill.

Health Nominee Grilled on Commitment to Lower Drug Prices

Health Nominee Grilled on Commitment to Lower Drug Prices-nytimes: Alex M. Azar II, President Trump’s nominee for secretary of health and human services, said Wednesday that he would try to reduce the burden of high drug costs, but he largely absolved drug companies from blame, placing the responsibility on a system that encourages price increases on medicines.

Senate committee advances GOP tax bill, moving closer to floor vote

Senate committee advances GOP tax bill, moving closer to floor vote-cnbc: The Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday approved the Republican tax bill, a crucial procedural step toward a vote by the full chamber later this week.

In Trump health secretary pick, Dems have questions but hope

In Trump health secretary pick, Dems have questions but hope-ap: President Donald Trump’s pick for health secretary is a former pharmaceutical company executive who already has drawn heat from Democrats over his ties to the pharmaceutical industry. But as Alex Azar faces his first nomination hearing, even some of those critics see signs he could shift the health care debate away from partisan confrontation.

Democrats Hold Cards on Year-End Talks With Trump, GOP

Democrats Hold Cards on Year-End Talks With Trump, GOP-rollcall: After a mid-day visit to the Capitol — his second in as many weeks — President Donald Trump will host congressional leaders at the White House on Tuesday, as Democrats look to cash in on a deal they struck with him in September to push debt and spending questions to Dec. 8.

Looming Spending Deadline Leads to Tax Consideration Crunch

Looming Spending Deadline Leads to Tax Consideration Crunch-rollcall: If the tax reconciliation bill somehow doesn’t make it to the Senate floor this week, it may have to wait until much closer to Christmas.