3. The Senate passed the G.O.P. tax bill in record time, and we got a behind-the-scenes look at the frantic efforts. (Above at the podium: Senator Orrin Hatch, chairman of the finance committee.)

When Republican leaders learned that a nonpartisan analysis showed the bill would increase the deficit by $1 trillion, they needed a game plan. So they went on the offensive.

What else made it into the bill, besides tax cuts, and how could the measure reshape American society? We discuss the implications on our “The Daily” podcast.

Meanwhile, Republicans are also trying to pass a two-week stopgap measure to avoid a government shutdown.

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