In an era where bipartisan accomplishments in Congress are increasingly scarce, particularly for initiatives that champion pro-life and pro-family values, the Tax Relief for American Workers and Families Act of 2024 stands out as a notable exception.
Chaired by Jason Smith, the House Ways and Means Committee has given its overwhelming endorsement to the bill, securing support from all Republican members and all but three Democrats. It is worth praising Speaker Johnson for swiftly moving the bill to the floor for a vote, where it passed convincingly with a tally of 357-70 in late January. The bill now sits before the Senate, awaiting a decision, though its passage there remains uncertain.
The legislation has garnered the endorsement of a diverse coalition of organizations, among them the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Council of Churches, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, National Hispanic Pastors Association, Sojourners, Students for Life, and Concerned Women for America. This broad alliance underscores a shared commitment to supporting American families faced with the soaring costs of child-rearing, recognizing the invaluable role parents play in our society. H.R. 7024 aims to enhance the child tax credit for over 60 million children in the United States, with particular attention to the needs of low-income families and those with multiple children – groups that stand to benefit most significantly from such support.
The child tax credit represents a message of solidarity to expectant parents, affirming that they are not alone in the responsibilities of parenthood. Importantly, the bill proposes no creation of new federal bureaucracy, allowing parents the freedom to determine the best way to support their children's needs without governmental intrusion. It offers relief from the tax burden for those already making substantial contributions to society. Some have expressed concerns about potential disincentives to work due to the bill's "look back" provisions, which base eligibility for the credit on the previous year's income. Yet, the intensive nature of parenting, a task more demanding than many jobs, is well recognized, and the financial relief provided is unlikely to deter parents from working. Instead, it may afford them the opportunity for extended parental leave, fostering crucial early bonding with their child.
As the legislation proceeds to the Senate, both Leader Schumer and Leader McConnell have voiced their support, despite ongoing challenges in reaching a consensus on other pressing issues such as government funding, foreign aid, and immigration reforms. The Senate mustn't overlook this bipartisan chance to back children and parents amidst these debates.
Looking forward to 2025, the hope is to further bolster pro-life, pro-family tax policies, notably through an expanded child tax credit and the universal charitable deduction, as advocated by Senators Coons and Lankford. Such measures would not only promote family formation and charitable donations but also fortify the nonprofit sector crucial for sustaining healthy families and communities. Until these broader reforms are realized, the bipartisan bill recently passed in the House represents an essential step forward. The Senate is urged to act promptly in its approval.