Mitch McConnell Rebukes Rick Scott for Tax Proposal
Senate GOP leader and other Republicans are concerned Florida lawmaker’s call for all Americans to pay income tax gives Democrats fuel for their midterms message
Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott, center, speaking to the media during a Senate Republican Leadership press conference in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
PHOTO: GRAEME SLOAN/SHUTTERSTOCK
By Lindsay Wise
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and Alex Leary
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March 1, 2022 5:29 pm ET
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WASHINGTON—Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell rebuked a policy agenda crafted by fellow Republican Sen. Rick Scott, saying it would raise taxes on lower-income Americans, as Democrats seized on the proposal for their midterm elections message against the GOP.
Mr. Scott’s 11-point “Rescue America” plan was released last week and he has paid for television and online advertising. It covers a range of topics, and includes proposals to name the border wall after former Republican President Donald Trump, balance the federal budget, prohibit the government from asking people to disclose their race on any federal form and sunset all federal legislation after five years. But a line about taxes gained the most attention. “All Americans should pay some income tax to have skin in the game, even if a small amount. Currently over half of Americans pay no income tax,” it reads.
“We will not have as part of our agenda a bill that raises taxes on half the American people and sunsets Social Security and Medicare within five years,” Mr. McConnell told reporters Tuesday. “That will not be part of the Republican Senate majority agenda.”
With the Senate split 50-50, control of the chamber is at stake in the November elections. Mr. McConnell, who could regain the majority post, and other Republicans fear that Mr. Scott’s idea could blunt momentum in what looks to be a favorable climate for the party.
Mr. Scott, a wealthy former Florida governor and businessman, was elected in 2018 and quickly sought to grow a national profile. He is seen as a possible 2024 presidential candidate, should Mr. Trump decide against running again. Mr. Scott has stayed close to Mr. Trump while Mr. McConnell has urged the GOP to move on from the former president. Mr. Trump has encouraged Mr. Scott to challenge Mr. McConnell for the position of party leader, according to people familiar with the discussions.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday, ‘We will not have as part of our agenda a bill that raises taxes on half the American people.’
PHOTO: JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
Some senators raised concerns about Mr. Scott’s proposal during a private GOP leadership meeting Monday, according to a person familiar with the discussion, and warned that Republican candidates are being asked whether they support the plan. Mr. Scott is the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee but said he released the agenda on his own.
Mr. McConnell said Tuesday that a GOP agenda would focus “on what the American people are concerned about: inflation, energy, defense, the border and crime.”
Mr. Scott’s proposal was reminiscent of comments by 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who said that 47% of Americans would vote to re-elect President Barack Obama because they are dependent on the government and pay no income tax. Mr. Scott has denied he would raise taxes and his plan doesn’t provide details, but Mr. McConnell and outside analysts say it could raise taxes.
Mr. Scott reiterated in a statement Tuesday that he didn’t want to raise taxes. “I do, however, want to have a conversation about able-bodied Americans who are living off of government programs instead of working, a reality caused by Democrat policies,” he said.
Roughly half of U.S. households that pay no federal income tax are exempted because of basic provisions such as limitations on tax for low-income earners. Both parties have also supported breaks for older Americans.
Democrats and the Biden administration blasted the proposal and have sought to pressure Republican candidates to take a position. “This is the Republican Party’s official platform, and the DNC will use every resource at our disposal to make sure voters know exactly what Republicans stand for,” the Democratic National Committee said in launching digital ads.
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Mr. McConnell’s statement Tuesday was an attempt to stop that message from taking hold.
After being asked about the plan during a routine news conference Tuesday, Mr. McConnell said that Mr. Scott was behind him and could answer to that. But Mr. Scott had left the gaggle moments before, leaving fellow Republican leaders to smirk at the awkwardness.
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, another possible 2024 candidate, has also criticized the idea, though without invoking Mr. Scott’s name. During an event last week in Florida, he was asked about taxation policy and said some Republicans were calling for all Americans to pay income tax.
“I think that’s a terrible message to send,” Mr. DeSantis said.
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