In a rare show of bipartisan unity, the U.S. Senate has passed the “No Tax on Tips Act” — a bill introduced by Texas Senator Ted Cruz — aimed at providing long-overdue financial relief to millions of service industry workers.
The legislation, which passed unanimously, would make tips exempt from federal income tax, directly benefiting workers like waiters, bartenders, delivery drivers, and hotel staff — those who rely on gratuities to make ends meet.
Senator Cruz hailed the bill as a major win for working Americans.“This legislation will have a lasting impact on millions of Americans by protecting the hard-earned dollars of blue-collar workers,” Cruz said. “These are the very people who are living paycheck-to-paycheck.”
He emphasized that tipped workers often face inconsistent income and long hours, and that removing federal taxes on tips would help them keep more of what they earn.
For Cruz, the bill is not just about tax policy — it’s about fairness.
Bipartisan Support: A Rare Political Moment
Joining Cruz in co-sponsoring the legislation was Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada, whose state has a large hospitality industry that depends on tipping.
The bipartisan backing of the bill helped it sail through the Senate without opposition — a rare outcome in today’s often divided Congress.
Senator Rosen noted that for many in her state, tips aren’t a luxury — they are a necessity.
“Service workers form the backbone of our tourism economy,” Rosen said. “This bill gives them the respect and support they deserve.”
How the Bill Works
The No Tax on Tips Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude tip income from federal income taxation.
Currently, tipped employees are required to report tips as income, and employers must withhold payroll and income taxes accordingly. This process adds complexity for both workers and small businesses — especially restaurants and hospitality employers.
Under the proposed law:
Workers would still report their tip earnings, but
Those earnings would not be subject to federal income tax
The exemption would apply to tips earned directly from customers, not bonuses or wages paid by employers
In essence, it simplifies the system and lets service workers keep 100% of their tips, without worrying about tax deductions.
Fulfilling a Trump-Era Promise
The bill also fulfills a pledge made by former President Donald Trump, who campaigned on protecting tipped workers from taxation.
During his rallies and public events, Trump often mentioned the burden placed on servers and waitstaff — promising that one day, “we’ll make sure you keep your tips.”
Cruz’s bill revives that campaign promise, aligning with conservative messaging about defending the working class and simplifying the tax code.
It’s also seen as a way to gain traction with everyday voters who may feel left behind by broader economic policies.
Service Workers React
Early reactions from service workers and trade organizations have been overwhelmingly positive.
For many restaurant staffers, tips make up more than half of their total income. Even modest tax relief on those earnings could mean hundreds or thousands of dollars back in their pockets each year.
“I work double shifts, six days a week,” said Maria Lopez, a server at a busy Austin restaurant. “Some nights I make good tips, but after taxes and bills, there’s not much left. This would be huge for me.”
Worker advocacy groups have also praised the bill for recognizing the economic reality of low-wage earners.
Not Without Questions
Though the bill passed with unanimous support in the Senate, some policy experts have raised questions about its broader implications.
Would the IRS face enforcement challenges? Could this change lead to under-reporting of income? What would be the impact on Social Security contributions, which are partially funded through payroll taxes?
Supporters say these concerns are manageable — and worth addressing as the bill is finalized in the House.
“Nothing’s perfect,” Senator Cruz acknowledged. “But this is a step toward putting money where it belongs — in the hands of workers, not the federal government.”
Next Stop: The House of Representatives
With Senate approval secured, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to face scrutiny — but not necessarily resistance.
Some Republican lawmakers in the House have already voiced their support. They say it aligns with the party’s broader push for tax reform and middle-class relief.
A handful of Democrats have also expressed interest, particularly those representing states with large tourism and hospitality sectors like Florida, New York, and Nevada.
If passed by the House, the legislation would go to the President’s desk for final approval.
Potential Economic Ripple Effects
Economists are divided on the long-term impact of the bill.
Supporters argue that it will stimulate local economies, allowing workers to spend more in their communities.
Opponents fear it could reduce federal tax revenue, particularly from industries that already face high employee turnover and compliance challenges.
Still, even skeptics agree that tipped workers are among the most underpaid and overworked sectors of the economy — and that new solutions are needed to support them.
A Win for the Service Economy
In today’s deeply polarized political climate, it’s unusual for a tax bill to receive unanimous Senate approval — let alone one that was introduced by a high-profile conservative senator like Ted Cruz.
The No Tax on Tips Act stands as an example of what’s possible when lawmakers focus on common ground — in this case, lifting up everyday Americans who work long hours for modest pay.
For service workers across the country, the message is simple: Your work matters, and your tips are yours to keep.
