The Senate closes in on tax reform

The Senate closes in on tax reform Today could prove to be a monumental one for the United States, as the Senate moves ever closer to passing the most ambitious tax reform bill in three decades. While Senators do the tough and necessary work of finalizing the legislation's terms, the past 48 hours has given Americans plenty of reason to be optimistic that a tax cut will arrive in time for Christmas: On Wednesday, 137 economists sent an open letter to Congress backing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The letter is worth reading in full, but here's the money quote: "Left virtually untouched for the last 31 years, our chart-topping corporate tax rate . . . [sent] 4,700 companies from 2004 to 2016 to cheaper shores abroad." Yesterday, Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said they'll be voting yes on the bill; this morning, Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Steve Daines (R-MT) also confirmed their support, giving the legislation a major boost. The sense of forward momentum from Republicans on Capitol Hill is palpable. "We're heading down the home stretch," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell yesterday. President Donald J. Trump stands ready to sign this historic legislation. Read more about the President's vision to jolt economic growth. The President delivers a Christmas message President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump participated in the 95th annual National Christmas Tree Lighting last night. Visitors gathered on the Ellipse at President's Park to listen to musical acts including the Beach Boys, Mannheim Steamroller, and more. Speaking at the ceremony, the President underscored the religious significance of Christmas even as he spoke about the holiday's universal truths. "Whatever our beliefs, we know that the birth of Jesus Christ and the story of his life forever changed the course of human history," the President said. "There is hardly an aspect of our lives today that his life has not touched." Watch video of the President's remarks here. President Trump hosts Libyan Prime Minister President Trump met with Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj at the White House today, capping off a busy week that included in-person or phone conversations between the U.S. President and world leaders from China, South Korea, and Bahrain. Yesterday, President Trump spoke with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea for the second time since North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile on November 28. While several of this week's conversations were sparked by that missile test, today the President turned his attention to North Africa. He and the Libyan Prime Minister discussed ways to cooperate on counterterrorism and expand bilateral engagement between the two countries. Read the White House statement on today's meeting. Photo of the Day President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump participate in the 2017 National Christmas Tree Lighting | November 30, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) POTUS TODAY President Trump met with the Prime Minister of Libya before having lunch with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis. The President will meet with Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin this afternoon. COMING UP Be on the lookout for the President's Weekly Address, coming out tomorrow. This week's edition will commemorate American civil rights icon Rosa Parks, who made history when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger 62 years ago today.