IBT: Corker Hasn't Read Tax Bill, Denies Changing Vote After Provision Was Added

Republican Sen. Bob Corker on Saturday told the International Business Times he hasn’t read the GOP tax bill, and had no clue about a last-minute addition to the legislation that would potentially benefit him and President Donald Trump.  

Republicans are relying on Corker to vote yes since the party can only afford two defectors. The Tennessee lawmaker was the only GOP senator voting no on the legislation prior to Friday.

"I had like a two-page summary I went through with leadership," Corker told IBT of the bill. "I never saw the actual text."

IBT first reported on the provision, which was added during the reconciliation process and would reduce taxes on income from real-estate LLCs. Corker, a real estate mogul like Trump, stands to benefit since he made up to $7 million last year from such income.

Corker told IBT he didn’t know about the provision.

"If I understand what [the provision] does, it sounds totally unnecessary and borderline ridiculous," he said.

In a follow-up phone call, Corker told IBT: "I don't really know what the provision does, to be honest. I would need an accountant to explain it. I had no knowledge of this and would have no knowledge of it except for you guys are calling me about it. I have no idea whatsoever whether it impacts me or doesn't impact me."

Corker announced his support for the bill after it was added.

See my statement on my support for tax reform legislation: pic.twitter.com/DoeoHLrXWn

— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) December 15, 2017