Sanders rips final GOP tax bill: It's a moral 'obscenity'

Sen. Bernie SandersBernard (Bernie) SandersSchumer: Franken should resign Franken resignation could upend Minnesota races Avalanche of Democratic senators say Franken should resign MORE (I-Vt.) slammed the GOP tax bill moments after Republicans released the final version.

In a tweet, Sanders called the bill a “moral and economic obscenity” and urged his colleagues not to vote to pass it.

“This tax bill is a moral and economic obscenity,” Sanders tweeted. “It is a gift to wealthy Republican campaign contributors and an insult to the working families of our country. No member of Congress should vote for this disastrous legislation.”

This tax bill is a moral and economic obscenity. It is a gift to wealthy Republican campaign contributors and an insult to the working families of our country. No member of Congress should vote for this disastrous legislation. https://t.co/Mwt1QP8Ybz

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 15, 2017

Republicans announced Friday that they would have the votes to pass the bill after Sens. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioRyan pledges 'entitlement reform' in 2018 Richard Gere welcomes lawmakers' words of support for Tibet Dem lawmaker gives McConnell's tax reform op-ed a failing grade MORE (R-Fla.) and Bob CorkerRobert (Bob) Phillips CorkerFormer Dem Tenn. gov to launch Senate bid: report McConnell 'almost certain' GOP will pass tax reform Former New Mexico gov: Trump's foreign policy is getting 'criticized by everybody' MORE (R-Tenn.) both said they would vote “yes.”

The House and Senate are expected to vote on the bill early next week, with a goal to send the legislation to President TrumpDonald John TrumpHouse Democrat slams Donald Trump Jr. for ‘serious case of amnesia’ after testimony Skier Lindsey Vonn: I don’t want to represent Trump at Olympics Poll: 4 in 10 Republicans think senior Trump advisers had improper dealings with Russia MORE’s desk by Christmas.

Sanders, along with other Democrats, has been a vocal critic of the bill, arguing that it primarily benefits wealth Americans and corporations while hurting middle and low-income taxpayers.

"By lowering tax rates, simplifying the rigged and burdensome tax code, and repealing the failed tax on lower- and middle-income households known as the Obamacare individual mandate, this legislation will grow our economy, raise wages, and promote economic competitiveness," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Friday, following the release of the final text.

-Updated 6:35 p.m.