1) "cut social programs"...nope, prioritize  and cut government spend and reduce overhead of government employees 2) "many middle class here do take this special deduction. So the loss of this deduction means an increase in middle class taxes."  It may make sense taking the standard deduction+  (not itemized) where they may come out ahead.  Then there is the potential additional cost savings if they do their own tax versus using tax prep  for itemized deduction...which is more reason for tax reform (avoid tax preparation).  It's a mess right now on how convoluted the tax laws have become.  Regardless, since  a tax payers liability may differ, lets pass the new tax laws and see how new tax brackets / reform will help the general populace...just like Obamacare?