New York Republicans employ strategic manoeuvre to halt house vote, demand SALT relief in bipartisan tax package

New York Republicans in the U.S. House executed an unusual tactic on Tuesday, temporarily halting proceedings on the House floor to draw attention to their demand for enhanced federal deductions for state and local taxes, commonly known as SALT.

In a surprising move reminiscent of strategies often employed by ultra-conservative members, the group, including Reps. Nick LaLota, Anthony D’Esposito, Andrew Garbarino, and Mike Lawler, initially voted “no” on a procedural vote, citing the need for urgent action on SALT.

“To block a rule is difficult for somebody like me,” expressed LaLota ahead of the vote, emphasizing the importance of addressing the concerns of taxpayers in the state.

Currently navigating a bipartisan tax package aimed at expanding the child tax credit and reinstating certain tax breaks for businesses, Congress faced a roadblock as several New York Republicans, representing swing districts, threatened to withhold their votes unless SALT received due attention.

After successfully stalling the procedural vote, these lawmakers engaged in closed-door discussions with Speaker Mike Johnson to deliberate on the SALT issue. The $10,000 cap on SALT deductions, implemented during the 2017 tax overhaul under former President Donald Trump, disproportionately affects taxpayers in high-tax states like New York.

“I don’t think that there’s a chance that the cap is going to be fully lifted. But if we can get some relief to taxpayers back home and provide them relief until this expires in a couple of years, that’s what we’re hoping for,” stated D’Esposito in an earlier interview.

“The bottom line here is there needs to be a fix for SALT in the bill. It would be the height of stupidity not to include it,” emphasized Lawler.

The SALT cap has become a focal point in the special election to replace ousted Rep. George Santos in Queens and Nassau County, with both candidates advocating for relief. Democrat Tom Suozi, known for championing “no SALT, no deal” during his previous congressional term, reaffirmed his commitment, stating, “The SALT cap at $10,000 was a body blow to the people of my former congressional district and to this congressional district.”