The passage of meaningful and bipartisan legislation is becoming a rarity in Congress, especially when it aligns with a pro-life and pro-family agenda. The Tax Relief for American Workers and Families Act of 2024 stands as a notable exception.
Under the leadership of Chairman Jason Smith, the House Ways and Means Committee gave its overwhelming endorsement to the bill, garnering support from every Republican and all but three Democrats. Speaker Johnson also deserves praise for swiftly bringing the bill to the floor, where it secured a commanding approval with a vote of 357-70 in late January. The bill now sits before the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.
This legislation has garnered backing from a diverse array of organizations that typically do not align, such as the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Council of Churches, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, the National Hispanic Pastors Association, Sojourners, Students for Life, and Concerned Women for America, to name a few.
The consensus among these groups is clear: American families, grappling with the escalating costs of child-rearing, require support, and parents committed to the upbringing of their families should be recognized as invaluable assets to the nation. H.R. 7024 aims to enhance the child tax credit for over 60 million American children, offering significant benefits particularly to low-income households and those with multiple children—those who are in the greatest need of assistance. The National Association of Evangelicals emphasizes the inherent value of every human life, from conception to death, as a reflection of the divine image, urging us to protect the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, young children, and the impoverished. Evangelicals manifest these beliefs through robust family life, foster and adoptive parenting, support for pregnancy resource centers, and charitable donations, among other actions.
The expanded child tax credit reassures expectant parents that they are not alone in their parenting journey, negating the need for additional federal oversight and empowering parents to make the best decisions for their children's welfare without governmental intrusion. It also alleviates the financial strain on those who already contribute significantly to society. Some may express concern over potential disincentives to work due to the "look back" provision that bases eligibility on the previous year's income. However, anyone with parenting experience knows the intense labor and financial demands of raising children. The possibility of additional parental leave to foster crucial early bonds with their children might outweigh concerns over a temporary reduction in work due to a $2,000 tax credit.
As the bill advances to the Senate, where both Leader Schumer and Leader McConnell have shown support, it faces a chamber preoccupied with funding government operations, supporting allies, and enhancing immigration policies. Yet, this bipartisan effort to support children and families should not be overlooked amid these challenges.
Looking forward to 2025, there is hope for further enhancements to pro-life, pro-family tax policies, particularly through a significantly increased child tax credit and the universal charitable deduction advocated by Senators Coons and Lankford. Such policies not only encourage family formation and charitable giving but also bolster the non-profit sector crucial for thriving families and communities. Until then, the bipartisan package recently passed by the House represents an essential step toward more comprehensive reforms. The Senate is urged to act promptly in its approval.