A group of five Republicans from suburban districts is distinguishing itself from larger factions within the party that support increasing the controversial state and local tax (SALT) credit limits.
These lawmakers are ready to collectively oppose a significant tax and spending reduction package central to President Trump’s agenda unless they receive the salary increase they’re seeking.
The members of this group are Andrew Garbarino from New York, Nick LaLota also from New York, Mike Lawler (New York), Young Kim from California, and Thomas Kean from New Jersey.
“These five are very passionate and determined to withhold their votes until their demands are met,” LaLota explained to reporters on Tuesday. “Others might join, but we’re prepared to vote no if necessary.”
He added, “We talked about our individual needs, but we understand that our unity is key to addressing our collective concerns.”
Garbarino echoed LaLota’s sentiments regarding their group, stating, “We’re really committed to this issue.”
He went on to note that Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.), who was chosen by President Trump as the UN ambassador earlier this year, is actively involved in the discussions. He mentioned that she had informed the New York governor recently that she was “strongly considering” the matter.
“She opposed the tax package for SALT a decade ago. She’s engaged in the dialogue and recognizes this is a significant concern for New York,” Garbarino said.
This five-member group is distinct from the bipartisan Salt Caucus, which includes lawmakers like Josh Gottheimer (DN.J.), Nicole Malliotakis (RN.Y.), and Tom Suozzi (DN.Y.). Malliotakis represents a New York City district where a suburban property tax setup makes higher SALT caps attractive, according to LaLota.
“The suburbs of New York require… a higher cap and more SALT benefits,” he emphasized.
Despite their concerns, Suozzi and Gottheimer aren’t likely to support a tax bill that ties into Trump’s broader legislative strategy, which includes significant cuts to social safety nets.
Garbarino mentioned that the group isn’t asking for a total repeal of the SALT cap. He explained that, under the Republican tax law from 2017, the alternative minimum tax (AMT) thresholds effectively nullified the need for unlimited SALT deductions.
“I believe we should have a cap,” he noted. “Unlimited deductions aren’t necessary since AMT impacts those who currently benefit.”
On Tuesday, LaLota indicated that the suburban Republicans have addressed the need for an increase in the cap.
House Republicans are set to convene this week to outline specific tax and budget cuts they aim to include in what they describe as a “big, beautiful bill,” which they hope to pass through a budget reconciliation process. This method allows for party-line voting, circumventing possible filibusters from Senate Democrats.
The most contentious parts are yet to be discussed in committees like Agriculture, Energy, and Commerce, as well as the Tax Writing Committee. The Energy and Commerce Committee has been tasked with reducing the deficit by $880 billion, primarily through cuts to Medicaid, while the Agriculture Committee seeks to cut $200 billion, which might affect food assistance programs for low-income Americans.
The Ways and Means Committee is working to prolong the $4.6 trillion tax cut from Trump’s previous agenda while addressing additional tax reductions promised during his last campaign. They have a directive to avoid exceeding $4.5 trillion in new debt, and although they may receive aid in this endeavor from changes to the Senate’s accounting methods, they face a challenging task ahead.
