During a House Rules Committee hearing on Tuesday, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) commented on Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) description of President Trump’s substantial tax and spending package, referring to it as a “cheap date” in exchange for votes on the fishermen’s tax credit.
This discussion followed a question from Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.) concerning new tax cuts directed at whalers and fishermen—one of several Alaska-specific provisions recently added to the legislation.
“Are you saying that someone can deduct the cost of a harpoon, for example? Because that’s included,” Smith responded, confirming it as a business expense.
“So it’s a new tax cut?” Neguse pondered aloud.
“Right—business expenses that previously capped at $10,000 can now be deducted,” Smith elaborated.
“And that goes up to $50,000, correct?” Neguse asked, to which Smith affirmed.
“Why do you think it was included?” Neguse inquired playfully, seemingly alluding to Murkowski, who had switched from a “no” vote following intense negotiations. This marked her significant 50th vote for the Republicans.
“We’ll need to ask the senator,” Smith replied.
McGovern, a top member of the committee, later interrupted to question whether the changes to the bill were necessary to secure Murkowski’s support.
“Did it take everything?” McGovern asked Neguse.
“I’m not sure,” Neguse replied.
“Well, she’s definitely a cheap date,” McGovern quipped before Neguse proceeded with his inquiries to Smith.
The bill passed in the Senate on Tuesday and is headed to the House of Representatives, which includes a provision enabling state whaling captains to deduct $50,000 in expenses—essentially a five-fold increase.
Murkowski characterized her journey to support the bill as “painful,” expressing hopes that improvements would be made. She highlighted concerns about the impact of tax cuts on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, particularly for vulnerable populations, stating those issues had been “deeply troubling.”
“This has probably been the most challenging and painful 24-hour period I’ve faced during my time here, and I know there are scars from battles we’ve fought,” Murkowski told reporters.
