Congressman Downing Tackles Tax Relief In Recent Town Hall

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - 2^nd District Montana Congressman Troy Downing held a ‘telephone town-hall’ meeting on Wednesday, taking calls from Montanans on a variety of topics.

Downing kicked off the meeting by praising House Republicans’ proposed ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ to fund the government.

Troy Downing Holds Statewide Telephone Town Meeting

“House Republicans, one ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ promises to deliver historic tax relief for Montanans to prevent the largest tax hike in American history,” began Downing. "It'll unleash American energy, ensure America's military remains the premier fighting force on the planet, secure our border, fix our immigration system, and enact common sense reforms that safeguard critical services for the Americans that need them most. It also strengthens Medicaid and all of this while putting America back on the path towards fiscal responsibility.”

Downing warns what might happen if Republicans in Congress fail to pass the President’s budget bill.

Get our free mobile app

Downing Pushed Hard on Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'

“If Republicans fail to pass this one Big, Beautiful Act, the average Montanan could face a 26 percent tax hike,” he said. “And let me be clear, this isn't a tax break for the wealthy at the expense of lower-income Montanans. Failure to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would result in a tax hike on every single Montanan.”

Downing spelled out the potential damage to Montanans, especially small businesses, if the bill doesn’t pass.

Downing said Small Businesses will Suffer if the Bill Doesn't Pass

“Small businesses across the Treasure State would see a 43 percent tax increase,” he said. “Not only does our bill prevent this, it makes the small business tax deduction permanent, and would increase the deduction from 20 percent to 23 percent for small business owners that are ‘asset-rich and cash poor’. Our bill also makes the death tax exemption permanent, benefiting not only small businesses, but Montana's farmers and ranchers, ensuring the viability of production agriculture in our state for years to come.”

Downing pointed out other positive features of the bill for all Montanans.

Downing said the Bill will Benefit All Montanans

“Other tax provisions are an increased Child Tax Credit, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and a $4,000 increased deduction for seniors who depend on Social Security,” he said. “House Republicans are delivering on President Trump's promise to deliver for the American worker and our nation's seniors. Our bill also makes good on other campaign promises like securing the border and unleashing American energy, two issues that affect Montanans more than most.”

Downing represents District Two, covering all of eastern Montana, while fellow Republican Ryan Zinke represents the western district of the state.