Rep. Castro Issues Statement on Passage of GOP Tax Bill

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 -- Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, issued the following statement after voting against the GOP tax bill:

"Today, the House has given final approval to an unpopular bill that mostly benefits corporate America and the wealthiest among us, and explodes the deficit by $1.5 trillion. It didn't have to be this way.

"Republicans could have worked with Democrats to develop tax reform legislation that actually promotes economic and wage growth, protects working families and is fiscally responsible.

"Additionally, in another desperate attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, Republicans have added a repeal of the individual mandate, which will drive up health care costs for millions and result in vulnerable Americans losing health coverage."