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Representative Susie Lee just tried to have it both ways. She announced she cosponsors the TIPS Act and claimed she wants to make “No Tax on Tips” permanent. But voters in Nevada might remember that she voted against the larger tax package last year that already delivered that very relief — and even called it “temporary crumbs.” That sudden about-face is the story here.
What happened: Lee’s post and the campaign firestorm
Representative Susie Lee posted that she cosponsors the TIPS Act (H.R.1314) and that the bill would make the “No Tax on Tips” rule permanent while ending the federal subminimum tipped wage. That message set off her Republican opponent, Marty O’Donnell, who pointed out she voted No on last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill — the larger package that included a temporary “no tax on tips” measure. The exchange is live and raw on social media, and it puts Lee on the defensive in a district packed with tipped workers.
Why this matters in Nevada: tipped workers and real relief
Nevada has one of the highest shares of tipped workers in the country. Hotel, restaurant, and casino staff rely on tips. The temporary “no tax on tips” rule in last year’s law helps workers keep more of what they earn. The Treasury and IRS already issued guidance so people and payroll teams know how the benefit works. That makes the policy tangible — not just campaign talk. So when Lee snaps to claim credit now, it’s not abstract. Real workers feel the money in their pockets.
The hypocrisy angle: voted no, then claimed the win
Here’s the hard fact: Lee voted against the big package that included the tip relief. She later said the package was “devastating” and called the help for workers “temporary crumbs.” Now she signs on to the TIPS Act and acts like she has been on the side of tipped workers all along. That’s a stretch. Voters can read roll call numbers and cosponsor lists. Campaigns should not be able to rewrite votes every election season. If you opposed a bill and then want the applause for parts of it, owning that flip is called honesty — or at least admitting you changed your mind.
Bottom line: voters deserve straight answers
This isn’t just political theater. It’s a test of credibility for Representative Susie Lee in a district where tipped workers matter. If she really supports making tax relief permanent and ending the subminimum wage, she should say why she voted against the larger package that already delivered help and explain what changed. Nevada voters deserve straight answers, not campaign spin. And if Republicans like Marty O’Donnell are right to call out the flip, that will stick with voters long before the next debate curtain drops.
