PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Dec 19, 2019
Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act
This bill increases the tax deduction for state and local taxes in 2019 to $20,000 for persons filing a joint tax return if the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer does not exceed $100 million. It eliminates the current $10,000 cap on the deduction in 2020 and 2021 except for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $100 million.
The bill increases the deduction for the expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers from $250 to $1.000. It also allows a deduction from gross income (above-the-line deduction) for expenses of first responders, up to $1,000, for tuition or fees for professional development courses related to service as a first responder or for uniforms used by first responders. The bill defines "first responder" as any individual employed as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, or emergency medical technician for at least 1,000 hours during the taxable year.
The bill increases the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6% beginning in 2020, and reduces the dollar amount at which the increased tax rate begins.
People & committees
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 218 - 206 (Roll no. 700).
House roll call 700 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 218 - 206 (Roll no. 700).
House roll call 700 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit with instructions Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 388 - 36 (Roll no. 699).
House roll call 699 · Individual votesThe previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rice (SC) motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to strike and amend language in sections 2(a), 3(a), 4(a), 4(b)(2), 5(a), and 5(c) of the bill.
Mr. Rice (SC) moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Ways and Means. (text: CR H12281)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with further debate on H.R. 5377.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5377.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 772. (consideration: CR H12270-12284; text: CR H12270-12271)
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 275.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 116-345.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 116-345.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 17.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 6, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.5377 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.5377 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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