Trump agenda bill: Conservative rips blue state Republican’s tax hike proposal

Conservative Republican, Rep. Ralph Norman, has expressed his opposition to a moderate colleague’s proposal for a modest tax hike on high-income earners. This comes as GOP lawmakers grapple with divisions over President Donald Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Norman criticized the idea of raising taxes to fund expenses that he believes are the result of mismanagement by states with shaky finances. He questioned the necessity of imposing higher taxes on wealthy individuals, arguing that it could hinder economic growth.

The proposal in question, put forth by Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, suggests increasing the top tax bracket to a 39.6% income tax rate to help pay for higher deduction caps for state and local taxes (SALT). LaLota and other lawmakers representing high-cost-of-living areas argue that raising the SALT deduction cap is crucial for their constituents.

However, Republicans from lower-tax states are hesitant to support significant increases to the SALT deduction caps, fearing that it could incentivize high-tax policies in blue states. The current legislation aims to raise the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $30,000, but some Republicans, including Norman, believe it is insufficient.

While discussions about tax hikes targeting wealthy Americans were on the table earlier in the negotiations, House GOP leadership has indicated that such measures are unlikely to be included in the final bill. Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the party’s traditional stance against raising tax rates.

The varying viewpoints within the Republican Party underscore the challenges they face in reaching consensus on Trump’s comprehensive legislative package. As they prepare for a House-wide vote on the bill, Republicans are navigating differences on taxes, Medicaid, and green energy subsidies.

Using the budget reconciliation process, Republicans aim to advance Trump’s priorities on various issues through one comprehensive bill. This process allows them to bypass the minority party in the Senate and pass legislation with a simple majority.

Republican leaders are working to finalize the bill and have it on the president’s desk by the Fourth of July. The ongoing debates and negotiations highlight the complexities of governing and the need for unity within the party.

Fox News Digital reached out to LaLota’s office for comment on Norman’s remarks but did not receive an immediate response. Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital and can be contacted for tips and inquiries.