Top GOP congressman: My donors told me to pass the Republican tax bill or 'don't ever call me again'

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Rep. Chris Collins

• Rep. Chris Collins, a New York Republican, said donors told him to pass the GOP tax bill or "don't ever call" them again.
• The bill is being marked up in the House Ways and Means Committee and GOP leaders want it passed by Christmas.

Rep. Chris Collins, a New York Republican, cited pressure from donors Tuesday as an imperative for the GOP to pass their giant tax bill.

"My donors are basically saying, 'Get it done or don't ever call me again'," Collins told reporters Tuesday.

Republican leaders have portrayed the drive for tax reform as a benefit for middle-class families, often at the expense of special interests.

The donor pressure appears to be substantial, since the GOP has no major legislative victories to point to since the election of President Donald Trump one year ago. Earlier this year, it failed multiple attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

However, conservative groups like the Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity have already expressed reservations with the current version of the bil.

The bill, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is making its way through the House Ways and Means Committee in markup sessions. Republican leaders are targeting next Friday for a deadline to pass the TCJA in the House and want a bill on Trump's desk by Christmas.