As the House begins debate on its tax reform bill, members willbe prohibited from offering any amendments—including changes to thecredit union tax exemption.

Voting 235 to 191, the House approved the rule for debate on thebill Wednesday afternoon, with a vote likely Thursday.

Following tradition for such contentious legislation, the billwill go to the House floor under a closed rule, which prohibitsamendments from being offered. Debate on the bill was to beginWednesday afternoon. The rule calls for four hours of debate.

Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee continued to slogthrough amendments to its tax reform bill Wednesday afternoon.

So far, no senators have signaled their intention to offer anamendment affecting the credit union tax exemption.

Unlike the House, when the bill reaches the Senate floor,senators will be able to offer amendments.

However, since the bill will go to the floor with budgetreconciliation protection, opponents of the measure will not beable to filibuster the bill; it can be passed with 51 votes.