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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Q&A: Why a tax overhaul is such a tough job for GOP

FILE - In this March 31, 2017, file photo, The U.S. Capitol is seen in the distance as rain falls on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. Why are Republicans struggling mightily to reach a consensus on how to overhaul the nation’s tax system? The GOP is supposed to be really good at cutting taxes. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file)
FILE - In this March 31, 2017, file photo, The U.S. Capitol is seen in the distance as rain falls on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. Why are Republicans struggling mightily to reach a consensus on how to overhaul the nation’s tax system? The GOP is supposed to be really good at cutting taxes. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file)

WASHINGTON (AP) – Why are Republicans struggling mightily to reach a consensus on how to overhaul the nation’s tax system?

The GOP is supposed to be really good at cutting taxes. President George W. Bush cut taxes. So did President Ronald Reagan, though he also raised them.

Why is President Donald Trump, who has promised the largest tax cut ever, having so much trouble accomplishing one of his main initiatives?

Some questions and answers about why tax overhaul is hard and why Republicans have been unable to reach a consensus.

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