Paul Ryan doesn't rule out changes to 401(k) plans
Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday did not rule out the possibility that Republicans will propose changes to 401(k) plans as part of their tax reform legislation.
The Wisconsin Republican was asked at his weekly press conference if he agrees with President Trump that 401(k)s should not be touched. GOP lawmakers are reportedly considering capping pre-tax 401(k) contributions, a move President Trump on Monday vowed wouldn't happen.
Ryan said that he agrees that there should be "comprehensive tax reform" and he agrees that the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee should be given "latitude" in writing the tax code overhaul. He said that he will leave it to the panel's chairman, Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, to explain what will be in the plan, which is now scheduled to be released next Wednesday.
The speaker applauded his conference for approving the Senate-passed budget Thursday, arguing that it "brings us one step closer to historic tax reform."
Responding to questions about critical comments of President Trump by GOP senators this week, Ryan said that he doesn't think the "American people want to see us up here fighting with each other."
Ryan's comments come after two GOP senators -- Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona -- publicly condemned the president's behavior. Flake announced that he is dropping out of his re-election race.
Congress has a number of items to tackle before the end of the year including passing a new government funding bill by early December and potentially lifting spending caps in a new budget deal, among other things.