On Thursday, the Republican-controlled US Congress neared a major test of its ability to overhaul the federal tax codes, as lawmakers prepared for the first vote on sweeping tax legislation. Following an 11:30 a.m. meeting with President Donald Trump, Republicans in the House of Representatives were expected to take up their own bill to cut tax rates on corporations, small businesses and individuals. House leaders claim they remain optimistic about garnering enough votes to approve the bill.