AOC’s failed last-minute quest to block the BBB

If you can believe it, there was a provision in the BBB that AOC liked, but the Senate dialed that back.

I am speaking of the no tax on tips policy, which I am firmly against.

The House had no limits on it, but the Senate bill dialed that back to $25,000, and now AOC is having a fit.

Not Fair

I have repeatedly stated that I was against the provision in the House bill because I did not believe it was fair for someone making $50k a year in tips not to pay taxes on those tips, while someone making $50k a year in salary did have to pay taxes.

I feel the same way about the limit that the Senate put on it, as it is still tax-free income, that the only people in this country who get the benefit are those who receive tips, and it is just not fair to the rest of us. I could put good use to an extra $7,500 every year, and I am sure you could too.

AOC was furious over the limit, stating, “As one of the only people in this body who has lived off of tips, I want to tell you a little bit about the scam of that text, a little bit of the fine print there.

“The cap on that is $25,000, while you’re jacking up taxes on people who make less than $50,000 across the United States, while taking away their [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] program, while take taking away their Medicaid, while kicking them off of the [Affordable Care Act] and their health care extensions.”

Obama Steps In

Enter Obama at the last second, thinking that if he told people to call their representatives, it would change their minds.

He stated, “More than 16 million Americans are at risk of losing their health care because Republicans in Congress are rushing to pass a bill that would cut federal funding for Medicaid and weaken the Affordable Care Act.

“If the House passes this bill, it will increase costs and hurt working class families for generations to come. Call your representative today and tell them to vote no on this bill.”

Sorry, Obama, it did not work.

It Passed

Even though there were roughly two dozen Republicans voicing objections, when push came to shove, they all caved except for Reps. Massie (R-KY) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA). The final vote was 218-214.

Speaker Johnson thanked Trump for helping, stating, "The President is very engaged. He was very helpful in the process. He helped answer questions and articulate his vision and what this bill will mean for the country, and his agenda, and how urgent it is for us to get it done.”

This is a huge win for Johnson and an even bigger win for Trump. For better or worse, this will be the legislation that decides Congress in 2026 and the White House in 2028.

Remember, Trump and the GOP ran on lowering spending and cutting the national debt. It is over $37 trillion right now, and it will likely be over $40 trillion during the 2028 cycle, and I am just not sure how that will sit with Americans who thought we would be spending less, not more. It will all come down to our wallets, so Trump had better deliver the growth he says this bill will create or we are doomed to another Democrat in the White House in 2029.