Sen. John McCain said this morning that he would vote in favor of the Republican tax bill. Grover Norquist is the founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform to explain why he's optimistic the bill will pass.
Norquist, who has been bullish on the bill all along, says the fact that McCain's made his announcement now, not later, means "we will have a signed bill for Christmas." He also points out how well the stock market has reacted to McCain's announcement.
Norquist also says that Americans shouldn't be concerned about the rapid passage of the legislation because "the Senate has had 70 hearings on this bill alone." During the vote, in fact, The anti-tax crusader thinks we may see a handful of Democrats who decide to associate themselves with the bill.
Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and James Lankford (R-OK) want to add a trigger to the bill that would repeal certain tax cuts if growth is weaker than expected. Norquist says the danger of adding a trigger is, "it tells people, please invest $100, million in a new factory. And look at our shiny new tax code. Maybe. Sort of. It might change."
The vote is expected Thursday night or early Friday morning.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/are-middle-class-americans-benefiting-from-president-trumps-tax-plan).
The average city in California has a 38% higher cost of living than the average American city, according to a cost of living index. For many, the general minimum wage of $15/hour just doesn't cut it. Anti-poverty activist Joe Sanberg wants to get the minimum wage changed to $18/hour. He joins Cheddar News to discuss the Living Wage Act of 2022.
Liana Guzmán, CEO of FOLX Health, joins Cheddar News to discuss the company launching billboards across the country in response to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
President Biden has announced an additional $800 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including artillery, armored personnel carriers, and helicopters. It comes as Russian forces appear to be preparing for a new, aggressive offensive in the eastern part of Ukraine. Paul McLeary, defense reporter for Politico, joined Cheddar to discuss this new round of aid and what it means for the U.S. commitment to arming the embattled country.
Catching you up on what you need to know on April 18, 2022, with Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian city of Lviv killing seven, mass shootings in South Carolina and Pittsburgh, Lucky Charms cereal under official investigation by the FDA, and more.
Activism is growing around the country in response to school boards banning books from shelves that focus on sexuality, gender, identity, or race. Jen Cousins, co-founder of The Florida Freedom to Read Project, joins Cheddar News to discuss.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine intensifies, President Biden has announced a ban on importing Russian oil, gas, and energy. To discuss how this ban will impact the war and Americans, Amir Handjani, non-resident fellow at Quincy Institute, joins Cheddar News.
Thousands of protesters around the world are expressing their solidarity with Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
Jason Beardsley, national executive director of the Association of the U.S. Navy and national security expert, joins Cheddar News to discuss.
