'We're at the one-yard line': Kevin Brady on tax reform as it heads to Senate

UPDATE: 3:50 p.m. Dec. 19, 2017

Major news outlets are reporting the House will have to re-vote on tax bill tomorrow because of technical changes to the legislation.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) said he's at the one-yard line, close to scoring the biggest tax reform in more than 30 years, but it won't be a touchdown until the Senate votes later tonight.

Brady, the Ways and Means Committee chairman and lead sponsor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, celebrated the bill's victory as it passed through the House 227-203.

"This is a historic day," Brady said. "The House voted for the biggest tax reform package. It's a game changer for families, businesses and certainly for America. Texans and folks across the country will immediately see more growth and opportunity."

If the bill passes through the Senate as expected, it should be on President Donald Trump's desk by Christmas.

"I haven't heard from President Trump yet, but we just approved the bill in the House, so I'm sure the White House will watch throughout the evening as it goes through the Senate," Brady said. "I do expect to visit with President Trump soon. He's been deeply involved in shaping this tax plan. I credit him for leading this effort nationwide."

Brady said he wants to remind Americans of three upcoming dates: "New Year's Day, when we will see a new tax code. February, when workers will see tax relief in their paychecks. And April 15, which is the last time Americans will have to file their taxes under yesterday's broken, horrible, complicated tax code. We've been waiting 31 years for a simpler, fair tax code. That's what we delivered on today."

For highlights on the $1.5 trillion legislation, visit waysandmeans.house.gov.