Senate moves ahead on GOP budget that’s key to tax ‘reform’

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., joined at right by Secretary for the Majority Laura Dove, walks from his office to the chamber for the start of the legislative day, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has voted to move ahead on a Republican budget plan — a critical step in the party’s drive to cut taxes and simplify the IRS code.

The nonbinding budget plan would permit Republicans to pass follow-up tax cuts later this year that would add up to $1.5 trillion to the national debt over the coming decade.

It calls for $5 trillion in spending cuts over that period, including cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Obama-era health law, though Republicans have no plans to actually impose those cuts with follow-up legislation.

The party-line tally sets up a vote later this week to pass the budget.

GOP tax plans call for cutting tax rates for corporations, individuals, and business partnerships.