The House on Thursday passed legislation to overhaul the tax code, moving Republicans one step closer to achieving the top item on their legislative agenda. 

“Passing this bill is the single biggest thing we can do to grow the economy, to restore opportunity and help these middle income families who are struggling,” Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said ahead of the vote.

House passage of the tax bill, which was unveiled just two weeks ago, was relatively drama-free compared to the GOP’s failed efforts to repeal ObamaCare earlier this year.

The stakes are high for Republicans, who are feeling pressure to show that they can govern ahead of next year’s midterm elections. The Democratic wave in last week’s gubernatorial and state house elections in Virginia and New Jersey has only added to their anxiety.

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