House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) told reporters Tuesday that he would draw a “red line” at 20 percent, the corporate rate that Republicans proposed Wednesday. | J. Scott Applewhite/AP Freedom Caucus endorses GOP tax plan

The House Freedom Caucus on Wednesday endorsed the GOP tax reform framework, a coup for Speaker Paul Ryan as he begins trying to muscle a bill through his chamber.

Members of the conservative group typically at odds with GOP leaders lauded the tax plan unveiled during a GOP tax retreat in Washington. During an open mic session, Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) stood up to say “I like what I see." Others agreed, and the group decided to back the plan on the spot instead of taking a position later Wednesday, as planned.


"President Trump has delivered a forward looking tax reform framework that will let hard working Americans keep more of their money, simplify our system, end carve outs for special interests, and will help make our businesses competitive abroad. The Freedom Caucus looks forward to sending a final bill based on this framework to President Trump's desk as soon as possible," the caucus said in a statement.

The endorsement clears the way for House Republicans to finally pass a budget. The group had been blocking the fiscal framework for months, holding out for more details on the tax plan.

The move to support the tax outline, however, comes before leaders unveil some of the more painful details about how Republicans would pay for the tax plan. The group has said it would like the tax package to add to the deficit, not be revenue-neutral, and has pushed for a corporate rate of 15 percent.

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) told reporters Tuesday that he would draw a “red line” at 20 percent, the corporate rate that Republicans proposed Wednesday. If it’s any higher that, Meadows said he’d vote against it.

Brat said he remarked at the retreat that the plan “looks like it is pro-growth for real and that's the biggest deal” for boosting wages. He also said the net effect will be that the economy will grow and “our kids will finally be able to find jobs.”

