Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas discussed several legislative and foreign policy issues during an appearance on The Vince Show with host Vince Coglianese. Topics included ongoing Senate negotiations over President Trump’s proposed ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB), the future of the SALT deduction, new English language requirements for truck drivers, and the conflict between Iran and Israel.

Regarding progress on OBBB negotiations, Marshall said: “We’re making incredible progress in the Senate. I think first of all, we have to figure out what all the Senators can agree upon and then follow back up with the House. … Probably the one thing that is still missing, there are a lot of us who would still like to see some more cuts – there’s about $2 trillion of cuts so far. We’d like to see a little bit more, if at all possible.

“We think another couple hundred billion dollars is sitting there. We’ve given those suggestions to leadership. I just think it’s an incredible negotiation going on now between House leadership with Mike Johnson and, of course, Leader Thune in the Senate and the White House. I can tell you, they’re all in the same room, they’re working hard and just trying to find that sweet spot where we can get to 218 in the house, 51 in the Senate.”

On questions about potential changes to the SALT deduction — a federal tax provision that allows state and local taxes paid to be deducted from taxable income — Marshall stated: “I know everyone is fixated on the amounts 20, 30, $40,000, and by the way, that’s a $400 billion hit over the next 10 years. Red states subsiding, blue states $400 billion. But I really think it’s when you should not be able to benefit from them at what salary – if you’re making $500,000 a year, should you still get that, and be able to write that off? And if you’re making $600,000?  …So that’s another dial to keep your eye on, as we go forward.”

Marshall also highlighted concerns regarding funding for border security efforts: “[DHS] is going to run out of money very soon. It’s expensive what they’re doing; they probably said maybe $100,000 per person when it comes to arresting them, housing them, going through the process, and deporting them. You think about that we have 400,000 violent illegal aliens out there. It’s going to be very expensive to do. I think they’re living on borrowed time and borrowed money.

“And to your point, as much as anything this bill will allow President Trump to fulfill his campaign promise to secure the border…And so I say…I think it’s all it’s going to have $45 billion to build 2000 miles of barrier…”

Turning attention toward legislation affecting truck drivers’ English proficiency requirements — which had previously been relaxed under former President Obama — Marshall said: “So we want to codify President Trump’s rules…And he’s [Obama] is the one who said it was okay – he took this rule out that required the English language to drive…we’re talking big trucks…the big semis that we see on roads…I mean it just makes sense.

“And by the way…I’m not first…common sense is not very common in Washington…but under President Trump he’s restoring common sense…if you’re driving a big truck you need…to take a driver’s test in English…and be able read…and speak English proficiently…it’s just common sense.”

Discussing developments involving Iran and Israel as well as U.S involvement overseas military operations Marshall remarked: “I think that we all agree that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons…I think most hope Israel can finish job…I certainly don’t want get ahead of president if he decides differently there’ll be darn good reason…

“I never want speak for president…I think most senators hope believe Israel can finish job own…Do everything we can stay out war…What hoping see over there regime change as well end terrorist organization…have confidence President Trump will thread needle properly do whatever needs done…but great thing is know philosophically President Trump not going get us into another endless war.

“We do not want American troops in there…I think we would all just have fit see one American troop in there on ground…it big difference between precision strike if necessary…President Trump has demonstrated precision strikes past but I just don’t see any circumstances...going have American boots ground this...Israel's got this under control—why do we want go make thing worse?...I certainly believe Iran was very close nuclear warheads—they had 60% enriched uranium enough make at least 10 atomic bombs...nuclear power plants America never go beyond 6% enrichment...they're sitting there at 60%, no doubt mind planning making nuclear weapon.”