CNN to host tax-reform debate pitting Cruz, Scott against Sanders, Cantwell

CNN host Jake Tapper and chief political correspondent Dana Bash will moderate a town hall debate on tax reform featuring Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) against Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) on Tuesday, the network announced.

“The CNN Town Hall Debate comes as Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are deeply immersed in a philosophical battle over the GOP’s plan to remake the U.S. tax code that may include repealing the Obamacare individual mandate,” reads the CNN release.

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The House passed legislation to overhaul the tax code by a 227-205 vote on Nov. 16, with 13 Republicans opposing the measure.

“Passing this bill is the single biggest thing we can do to grow the economy, to restore opportunity and help these middle-income families who are struggling,” Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said.

Republicans in the chamber erupted into applause upon the bill passing as Democrats sang “na na na na, hey hey, goodbye,” as they did when the House GOP passed an ObamaCare repeal bill in May.

Tapper and Bash moderated a town hall featuring Cruz and Sanders in October as the two debated how to overhaul the tax code. 

The 90-minute tax-reform debate will air live from Washington, D.C., at 9 p.m. EST on Nov. 28.