Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) suggested that the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will include an expanded child tax credit to appease Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).
Sen. Rubio signaled on Thursday that he will oppose the Republican tax reform legislation unless Republicans expand the child tax credit. Sens. Rubio and Mike Lee proposed to expand the tax credit further than the Senate-passed version of the tax reform legislation.
Rubio spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas said, “We have not seen bill text, and until we see if the percentage of the refundable credit is significantly higher, then our position remains the same.”
Congresswoman Noem revealed on Friday that the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will increase the child tax credit from $1,100 to $1,400.
“We’re in a good spot,” Noem suggested.
Republicans became worried this week after Rubio said he would oppose the Republican tax bill in its current form and when reports suggested that Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) have become increasingly ill.
The Faith and Freedom Coalition Chairman Ralph Reed cheered the expanded child tax credit in a statement on Friday.
Reed argued that “an expanded Child Tax Credit is an important step for investing in children, promoting stronger families, and improving the structure of the tax system. These are priorities that Americans from every background can get behind. We call upon Congress and the Administration to seize the opportunity to provide unprecedented tax relief to ordinary, working-class families.”
House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) argued that every senator should support the final tax bill next week.
“We ought to have every senator’s support on this tax reform bill,” Brady said.
Republicans plan to reveal the final tax legislation on Friday; Congress hopes to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act through both chambers and to President Donald Trump’s desk to sign next week.
President Donald Trump said that passing the tax reform bill would ensure a “Merry Christmas” for the country.
***Update***
CNBC reported that Sen. Rubio will support the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act after Republicans agreed to expand the child tax credit.
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