Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said Wednesday that he opposed the tax bill proposed by Senate Republicans — becoming the first GOP senator to defect from the still-evolving plan.
“If they can pass it without me, let them. I’m not going to vote for this package,” Johnson told the Wall Street Journal.
Johnson said he was against the measure because it helped corporations more than other businesses.
The Senate Finance Committee is debating the tax overhaul and is on track to approve it by week’s end.
Republicans have a 52-48 majority in the Senate and can afford to lose just two GOP senators and still prevail.
Vice President Mike Pence would cast the tie-breaking vote in that case.
GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Jeff Flake of Arizona and Bob Corker of Tennessee have also expressed concerns about the bill.
Meanwhile, the tax overhaul in the House cleared a procedural hurdle.
Lawmakers voted 235-191 Wednesday to move ahead on the bill.
With wires