McConnell: GOP united on tax reform

WASHINGTON—Senate leaders expressed confidence in the Republican tax plan Tuesday despite distractions and lack of details. “There’s a lot of noise out there,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said following the Republican caucus lunch at the Capitol with President Donald Trump. “But what we’re concentrating on is the agenda the American people need.” McConnell did not say whether Republicans had the votes needed to pass a tax bill but added if there’s anything that unites the conference, it’s comprehensive tax reform. U.S. Capitol Police shut down hallways and staircases for Trump’s visit Tuesday, and a protester infiltrated the press area to yell and throw Russian flags at the president. McConnell said Trump discussed the tax plan, how to speed up confirmation for his nominees, and an upcoming White House announcement on the opioid epidemic. Hours before, the president publicly feuded with Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., on Twitter. Corker told reporters after the lunch meeting he did not speak with Trump and the argument did not come up during the discussion. He added that senators offered few details on the tax plan itself to discuss with the president. The Senate passed a budget resolution last week to allow Congress to pass a tax reform plan without Democratic votes. The House plans to vote on a budget this week.