Senate Republicans must make it difficult for Democrat lawmakers to oppose proposed tax cuts, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said.
Gingrich made his comments in a column for The Hill.
"Ideally, the bill will easily get through the House Ways and Means Committee and be passed by the full House before Thanksgiving," he said. "However, conferencing in the Senate may prove more difficult, given our smaller majority.
"Republicans must therefore ensure the American people know how remarkably positive this bill is, making it extremely difficult for Democrats, especially those up for re-election, to oppose.
"If passed, this will be the most important tax reform legislation in more than 30 years. However, Republicans must stay focused and not allow minor policy arguments to derail their progress."
But he noted, in the end Republicans must make their case to the American people.
"Republicans must not take for granted that everyone likes tax cuts," he said. "They must fight, and they must win. That victory will only be assured if the American people are with them."
And he maintained it will be difficult to convince voters to support GOP candidates in the 2018 midterms if the tax cuts don't pass Congress.
"While Republicans have a geographic advantage in the 2018 midterm elections, it will be difficult to convince voters to elect more Republicans if we fail to pass these tax cuts – especially after the failure to repeal and replace Obamacare," Gingrich said.
He predicted Republicans would keep their majority in both the House and Senate if the tax cuts pass.
"If President Trump signs this bill into law by Christmas, not only will Republicans keep their majorities in both the House and Senate, but the United States will enter a new age of prosperity to the benefit of every American," he said. "However, if this tax cut bill is allowed to fail, the future for the GOP will be in peril."
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