Gabriel Vasquez, a Democratic representative from New Mexico, voted against the "Big Beautiful Bill," which became law on July 4, 2026, and included a provision implementing President Donald Trump’s no tax on tips policy. Despite this, Vasquez called for a permanent implementation of the policy just weeks later through his proposed TIPS Act.

"Tipped workers deserve to take home more of their hard-earned pay," Vasquez told local outlets in August 2026.

Vasquez’s campaign explained that his vote against the bill was due to opposition to other measures within the package, such as reforms to Medicaid that introduced an 80-hour work requirement for non-disabled adults ages 19-64 starting in 2027. A campaign spokesperson, Patricia Socarras Santiago, stated, "Vasquez would have happily voted for a permanent no tax on tips policy that didn't kick millions of hardworking families off Medicaid and food assistance and push our rural hospitals to the brink of closure."

Unlike many Democrats who have criticized most aspects of the tax and border security package, Vasquez’s support for extending parts of the bill highlights his efforts to appeal to voters in one of the most competitive districts in the country.

Trump’s no tax on tips policy, enacted under the Big Beautiful Bill, is set to expire in 2028 after a four-year lifespan.

Vasquez has not called for an expansion of the current law but supports making the no tax on tips policy permanent without the accompanying Medicaid reforms.

Sources