Gop Senators Push Ahead On Trump's Tax Cuts Package, Punting Big Decisions For Later

Senate Republicans said they are pushing ahead on President Donald Trump's big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts this week, even though they're punting some of the most difficult decisions - including the costs and how to pay for the multitrillion-dollar package - until later.

The Senate GOP's budget framework would be the companion to the House Republicans' 4.5 trillion tax cuts package that also calls for slashing some 2 trillion from health care and other programs. If the Senate can move the blueprint forward, it edges Trump's allies on Capitol Hill closer to a compromise setting the stage for a final product in the weeks ahead.

"Obviously we are hopeful this week we can get a budget resolution on the floor that will unlock the process," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune , R-S.D. "And so we are continuing to move forward with that."

While big differences remain , Republicans face increasing political pressure to deliver on what is expected to be Trump's signature domestic policy package - extending the tax cuts, which were initially approved in 2017 , during his first term at the White House. Those tax breaks expire at the end of the year, and Trump wants to expand them to include new no taxes on tipped wages, overtime pay and other earnings , as he promised on the campaign trail.

Democrats are preparing to oppose the GOP tax plans as giveaways to the wealthy, coming as billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is taking a "chainsaw" to the federal government. They warn Republicans plan to slash government programs and services that millions of Americans depend on nationwide.