Social Security recipients were hoping for a tax break — they're unlikely to get one. Here's why.

Republican-backed legislation now winding its way through the House includes a number of tax breaks promised by President Trump during the campaign, such as eliminating taxes on worker tips and overtime pay, as well as sharply lowering lowering rates on corporations. One tax break that isn't in the bill: Mr. Trump's suggestion last year that seniors shouldn't have to pay income taxes on Social Security benefits. 

"Seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security and they won't," Mr. Trump said while during an August campaign rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

A provision to eliminate taxes on Social Security isn't included in the bill approved by the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday. If the measure passes the House, it would then move to the Senate. The bill would make Mr. Trump's 2017 tax cuts permanent while also adding a host of other temporary reductions.