Rollout of US tax bill delayed as lawmakers seek more time

Washington

US Republicans have delayed unveiling the Donald Trump-backed tax overhaul until Thursday, signalling potential trouble ahead as congressional leadership struggles to lock in support for the historic but controversial effort.

Congressional aides late on Tuesday confirmed that the roll-out, originally slated for Wednesday, had been pushed back as GOP negotiators continued to hammer out a deal.

Lawmakers want additional time to study the measure, which includes US$1.5 trillion in tax cuts that Mr Trump has described as "rocket fuel" for the US economy. Mr Trump wants lawmakers to pass the plan by the end of the year to salvage a key plank of his 2017 agenda. That is lightning speed for a mammoth bill that has been c…