President Trump recently tweeted that GOP tax-writers should include a repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate in their tax reform legislation. This is a singularly bad idea that most Republicans are likely to reject. (Senators Tom Cotton and Rand Paul are exceptions, having seconded Trump's suggestion.) It would be irrational and unproductive at this point to import the fractious political combat associated with health-care reform into tax negotiations that are already loaded with controversies.
Not surprisingly, House leaders haven't taken up the president's suggestion. Their initial version of the tax bill, released last Thursday, does not touch the individual mandate. Still, it is understandable why some might be tempted to include repeal of the individual mandate in tax reform.
