New York Times: “Republicans in Congress had hoped the major tax-and-spending-cut bill they muscled into law last year would redeem them on the campaign trail as they try to beat historical odds to keep their majorities in November’s midterm elections.”“But in an election that has increasingly become defined by the high cost of living, the benefits of the measure — including sharply restricting federal income taxes on tips and overtime — appear to be getting swamped by economic stress.”