Unleashing the Potential of the American Economy

Last night, the Senate passed its fiscal year 2018 Budget Resolution - an important step in advancing the Trump Administration's pro-growth and pro-jobs legislative agenda. The President's tax reform plan will double the standard deduction so that more income is taxed at zero percent - the first $12,000 of income for individuals and $24,000 for married couples will be income tax-free. The plan will also lower individual income tax rates to: 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent. Lower taxes means higher wages for hardworking Americans. Learn more about the Unified Framework for Tax Reform at whitehouse.gov/taxreform. --------------- Governor of Puerto Rico Visits the White House On Thursday, Governor Ricardo Rosselló of Puerto Rico visited the White House to meet with President Donald J. Trump and discuss the situation on the ground in the wake of Hurricane Maria. President Trump and Governor Rosselló gave remarks to the press regarding the scale of hurricane damage, federal government assistance, and Puerto Rico's development goals. Governor Rosselló described the situation as "catastrophic" with "poignant short term needs," but spoke hopefully of the opportunity for Puerto Rico's energy and power technology to flourish after recovery and rebuilding occur. The President commended the tenacity of Puerto Rico's population in the face of tremendous difficulty. "The people of Puerto Rico are amazing," President Trump said. "Just incredible people, the spirit they have, the strength they have, what they've gone through." Read more here. Senate Passage of its Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution This resolution creates a pathway to unleash the potential of the American economy through tax reform and tax cuts, simplifying the overcomplicated tax code, providing financial relief for families across the country, and making American businesses globally competitive. Read the President's statement here. Vice President Speaks on Tax Reform in New York On Tuesday, in New York, Vice President Mike Pence discussed the Unified Framework for Tax Reform. The Vice President spoke with business owners about cutting taxes across the board for working families, small businesses, and family farms. "This tax cut is first and foremost designed to help American families struggling too often to make ends meet to have more dollars in their pockets," Vice President Pence said. Watch highlights of Vice President Pence's trip. Photo of the Day President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence meet with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló | October 19, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead) POTUS TODAY Today, the President received his daily intelligence briefing, followed by a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. At the Smithsonian Museum of American History, First Lady Melania Trump was joined by designer Hervé Pierre to present her inauguration gown as the newest addition to the nearly 100-year old First Ladies Collection. COMING UP On Saturday and Sunday, the White House will be opening its gardens and grounds to visitors for the Fall Garden Tours. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check here for more information. On Monday, President Trump will award the Medal of Honor to United States Army Captain Gary M. Rose (Retired) for conspicuous gallantry during the Vietnam War. The Prime Minister of Singapore will also be visiting the White House on Monday.