Momentum builds during a big week for tax reform

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act moves toward the Senate floor Yesterday just after 3:00 p.m. EST, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders released a statement commending the Senate Budget Committee for its crucial vote to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The committee's decision clears the way for the full Senate to vote on the bill as soon as the end of the week. "President Donald J. Trump applauds the Senate Budget Committee on taking an important step toward passing historic tax relief and reform," said the statement. "The President looks forward to providing tax cuts for hardworking Americans by the end of the year." The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces taxes for families and individuals of all income levels, simplifies America's complicated and lengthy tax code, and reduces taxes on U.S. businesses to allow them to compete – and win – on the global stage. Read the full statement and learn more about President Trump's principles for tax reform. A sneak peek at the President's speech today in Missouri Today President Trump travels to St. Charles, Missouri, to speak to Americans of all stripes about the crucial need for tax reform. The President will talk about overtaxation, a phenomenon that hits small-business owners especially hard by stifling opportunities to grow their companies. President Trump will also address the merits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will allow more of these businesses to keep higher shares of their earnings and thrive in today's ultracompetitive business environment. St. Charles is a town of about 70,000 on the banks of the Missouri River. One of the oldest cities in the state, it's the perfect place for President Trump to escape the Washington echo chamber and listen to the concerns of working Americans first-hand. Watch the President's remarks LIVE at 3:30pm EST. Congressional leaders join President Trump in the West Wing Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) met with President Trump yesterday in the Roosevelt Room to discuss a plan to keep the federal government open past a looming December 9 deadline. The meeting was intended to be a bipartisan discussion, but Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) ultimately chose not to attend. "I think it's regrettable that our Democratic colleagues and leadership chose not to join us today," said Speaker Ryan. "We have important work to do. We have big deadlines . . . That works needs to happen now." Read the full remarks from President Trump, Speaker Ryan, Leader McConnell, and Defense Secretary James Mattis. Photo of the Day President Donald J. Trump and Chairman of the U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee, Senator John Barrasso, at the U.S. Capitol | November 28, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) POTUS TODAY President Trump will travel to Missouri, where he will deliver remarks on the pressing need for tax reform to stimulate the growth and prosperity of small businesses. COMING UP Tomorrow, President Trump will meet with the Crown Prince of Bahrain. That evening, the First Family will participate in the National Christmas Tree Lighting on the Ellipse at the White House. On Friday, President Trump will meet with the Prime Minister of Libya at the White House.