Sen. Kevin Kramer, R-N.D., used a televised interview to press for changes to former President Donald Trump’s tax law and to address whether the United States should send bombs to Israel. Speaking on Fox Business’ Varney & Co., he outlined Republican priorities as Congress heads into high-stakes budget talks and a tense foreign policy moment. His comments signal where GOP leadership may push next on taxes and security aid.
The discussion centers on two urgent questions. First, what to do about expiring pieces of the 2017 tax law. Second, how to balance support for Israel with concerns about civilian safety and U.S. strategy. Both issues carry political and policy risks in a year shaped by spending fights, inflation pressures, and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Tax Law Revisions Move Back to Center Stage
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered individual rates, cut the corporate tax rate, and boosted the standard deduction. Many individual provisions were set to phase out after several years. Lawmakers are again debating whether to extend, modify, or let some measures expire.
Republicans argue that making key provisions permanent could help small businesses and keep economic growth steady. They point to pass-through deductions and expensing rules as tools that support investment. Democrats warn that extensions could widen deficits and tilt benefits to higher earners unless paired with offsets or changes.
Inflation and borrowing costs shape the fight. Higher interest rates have raised the cost of servicing federal debt. At the same time, wage growth and household budgets remain tight, giving fresh weight to targeted relief like the Child Tax Credit and earned income incentives. Any deal will likely hinge on trade-offs between business incentives and family-focused policies.
- Key issues in play: expiring individual rate cuts, pass-through business deduction, bonus depreciation, and the Child Tax Credit.
- Central tension: economic growth goals versus deficit worries.
Economists are split on the best path. Some cite evidence that bonus depreciation speeds investment but fades over time. Others stress that predictable rules matter more than temporary boosts. Both parties face pressure to deliver stability for taxpayers before filing seasons grow more complex.
Debate Over Bomb Shipments to Israel Intensifies
Kramer also addressed whether the U.S. should supply Israel with bombs as the conflict with Hamas and other groups continues. Supporters say Israel needs precision munitions to defend itself and reduce reliance on less accurate weapons. They argue that strong U.S. backing deters wider regional war.
Critics warn that large bomb shipments could lead to more civilian casualties in dense urban areas. Humanitarian groups and some lawmakers call for strict end-use conditions, including targeting transparency and protection of aid corridors. They note that U.S. law requires assessments of how weapons are used, especially where civilian harm is likely.
The administration has toggled between fast-tracking certain munitions and pausing others to review targeting practices. That balancing act reflects U.S. goals: support an ally, press for lower civilian harm, secure hostages’ release, and prevent escalation with regional powers.
Political Stakes and Policy Trade-Offs
The twin debates test party unity. On taxes, Republicans seek to revive a message of growth and predictability. They also aim to draw contrasts with Democrats over business climate and deficits. For Democrats, any bargaining room may center on expanding the Child Tax Credit and closing perceived loopholes for high earners.
On Israel, Republican leaders tend to favor unconditional aid. Some Democrats and a handful of Republicans advocate conditions tied to international humanitarian law. Voters are also split, with polls showing backing for Israel’s security but rising concern about civilian deaths and long wars.
Kramer’s remarks reflect this moment: firm support for pro-growth tax policies and strong security ties, paired with acknowledgment that policy details matter. How those details are written will decide whether a deal holds in Congress and among voters.
What To Watch Next
Budget deadlines will force action on tax provisions. Staff from both chambers are modeling options to extend certain pieces while limiting deficit impact. Watch for talks that pair business expensing with a broader Child Tax Credit compromise.
On Israel, the near-term focus is on specific munitions packages and reporting requirements. Congress may weigh conditions on targeting, deconfliction with aid groups, and after-action reviews. Any pause or approval could set a precedent for future transfers.
Kramer’s intervention highlights the path ahead: precision on taxes, clarity on aid. The coming months will show whether Congress can craft durable tax rules and a security policy that meets strategic goals while reducing civilian harm.
