Three red-state Democrats — each facing reelection in states won by President Donald Trump — said Tuesday night they are willing to work with Trump and congressional Republicans on tax reform.
Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, and Joe Donnelly of Indiana had a dinner meeting with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and GOP senators, The Hill reported.
Afterward, Manchin said the group had a "productive conversation" on how to reform the tax code, a key agenda priority for the GOP.
"I look forward to working with the president, the administration, and my Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle on tax reform and going through regular order so we can help all Americans and West Virginians prosper," Manchin said in a statement.
Separately, Donnelly added he is "hopeful" Democrats and Republicans can work out needed tax reform.
According to The Hill, Heitkamp called the meeting a "good discussion" of the issue, and it was "encouraging" the meeting included lawmakers from both parties.
"As I've long said, I want to work with those on both sides of the aisle on a comprehensive, permanent tax reform plan," she said, The Hill reported. "I hope these bipartisan discussions continue."
The Hill reported Republicans are expected to use reconciliation to pass tax reform; special budget rules allow a tax bill to pass by a simple majority, sidestepping the need to win over Democratic votes.
But with a slim 52-seat margin Republicans have little room for error if they want to come up with a package that could get the support of at least 50 senators.
The Hill reported the three Democrats did not join colleagues and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., on a letter sent to the president last month outlining Democrats' priorities on tax reform.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.