BELGRADE, Montana — In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), revealed that Republicans on Capitol Hill are prepared to implement former President Donald Trump’s policy of eliminating taxes on tips immediately following his election victory.
Daines emphasized the potential benefits of this policy in light of the current economic struggles. “With the working class facing high inflation under the Biden administration, a policy that eliminates taxes on tips can help offset the financial strain,” Daines said. “It not only supports service workers, such as those in Las Vegas casinos, cab drivers, and waitstaff, but also incentivizes better service and brings more people into the workforce. This is a significant move for the working class and shows how Republicans are now the party championing hardworking Americans.”
The policy has garnered so much support that people are even using stamps on restaurant receipts to promote the idea. “My wife sent me a photo of a stamp that reads, ‘Vote Trump. No Taxes on Tips,’” Daines noted. “People are using it to spread the message whenever they dine out.”
Daines’s interview, part of Breitbart News’s On The Hill video series, also touches on the GOP's strategy to reclaim the U.S. Senate in November. Despite the Democrats' adoption of Trump’s tip tax policy in rhetoric, they have yet to advance any concrete legislation. Daines pointed out that while Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) have expressed support for the policy, they have not put forth any effective legislative measures. Harris, notably, was a key vote for the “Inflation Reduction Act,” which increased IRS scrutiny on workers’ tips—a bill Rosen also supported.
In contrast, Daines highlighted that Republicans have prepared legislation to address this issue. Trump is scheduled to rally in Las Vegas to promote his tip tax policy, criticizing Democrats for their lack of actionable plans. If Republicans secure victories in the upcoming elections, Daines expects they will use a reconciliation process in the Senate to pass legislation ending the tax on tips, as well as potentially addressing Social Security income taxes for seniors. With a comprehensive plan in place, Republicans aim to deliver on their promises if they win control of the White House, Senate, and House.
“I’m introducing the bill. I’m on the Finance Committee,” Daines told Breitbart News. “The Finance Committee oversees tax matters. Newt Gingrich, who advises President Trump, and I frequently discuss these issues. Newt suggested, ‘Steve, you should introduce that bill.’ I replied, ‘I was planning to.’ So, I’m moving forward with the bill to eliminate taxes on tips. We’ve got a solid plan ready to go and are preparing to act as soon as President Trump is elected.”
Daines confirmed that the legislation to end taxes on tips has already been introduced. He is leading the effort alongside Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). A companion bill in the House, introduced by Reps. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) in early July, supports this initiative. While Republicans are poised and prepared to advance this policy, Democrats have yet to present a concrete plan.