House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised President Donald Trump’s recently signed tax cuts and spending package, calling it “jet fuel” for the economy despite Democratic criticism. Johnson, who ceremonially handed Trump the gavel after the bill’s signing, described the legislation as “a huge leap forward” and the first phase of a three-part economic strategy. He anticipates two more reconciliation bills—one this fall and another by next spring—before Congress adjourns.
On “Fox News Sunday,” Johnson dismissed Democratic claims that the bill would cost Republicans their majority in 2026. Instead, he predicted the legislation would boost take-home pay, create jobs, and improve the economy. Johnson rejected criticisms from Rep. Ro Khanna and DNC Chair Ken Martin as “old, tired talking points” commonly used against Republican tax measures.
Johnson emphasized that the bill permanently extends the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which benefited lower- and middle-income Americans, particularly by lowering taxes on tips, overtime pay, and seniors. Citing the Council of Economic Advisers, he said the bill is expected to drive 3% economic growth, create 4 million jobs, and increase average household take-home pay by $13,000.
Addressing Rep. Glenn Ivey’s criticism that tax cuts favoring the wealthy are permanent while those for working-class Americans are temporary, Johnson pushed back, saying, “If you make between $30,000 and $80,000 a year, you can have a 15% less federal tax rate—and that’s not going away.”
Johnson concluded the bill is “the largest, most consequential tax bill Congress has ever passed” for hardworking Americans.
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