Washington – As Republican Tax Bill Vote Nears, Two Senators Demand Changes

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    FILE - A demonstrator holds a sign outside the U.S. Capitol to protest the Republican tax plan as it works through the Senate in Washington November 30, 2017. REUTERS/James Lawler DugganWashington – President Donald Trump’s drive to win passage of a sweeping tax bill hit a potential obstacle on Thursday as two Republican senators, who previously backed the measure, insisted on a change to its child tax credit.

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    Mike Lee and Marco Rubio were in talks with other senators to expand the refundability of the tax credit, which is meant to lower the tax bills of working families with children, said Conn Carroll, a spokesman for Lee.

    Lee is now “undecided on the tax bill as currently written,” Carroll said in a telephone interview.

    A spokeswoman for Rubio did not respond to a request for comment. The Washington Post reported that he would oppose the bill without a larger expansion of the tax credit.

    White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the White House will continue to work with Rubio on the child tax credit.

    The Senate approved a wide-ranging tax bill on Dec. 2 by a vote of 51-49, with one Republican joining 46 Democrats and two independents in opposition.

    Earlier, the House of Representatives had approved its own tax legislation and in recent days negotiators from both chambers have changed parts of the bill in an effort to lock in enough votes to pass it before Christmas.

    Republican Senator Bob Corker opposed the earlier version of the Senate bill. If he remains opposed and is joined by just two more Republican senators, the legislation would fail.

    Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, speaking to reporters on Thursday, said he did not yet know whether senators will accommodate Lee and Rubio.

    “It’s still in play. I’m not sure that particular approach is going to be acceptable,” Hatch said about the tax credit changes the senators demanded.

    Carroll said if the child tax credit were to be made fully refundable, it would cost about $7 billion in lost revenues over 10 years. Lee and Rubio want expanded refundability.

    Under current law, a maximum child tax credit of $1,000 per eligible child under 17 is allowed on a portion of family earnings. In its current for the legislation expands that credit but Lee and Rubio are seeking more help for families, especially in lower-income brackets.

    The two senators failed in an effort on the Senate floor when the tax bill initially was debated.


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    6 years ago

    My bro Munch says the federal government shouldn’t collect so many taxes.

    6 years ago

    “Currently, the credit is $1,000 per child, and it begins to shrink as a couple’s income exceeds $120,000. The Senate bill would increase it to $2,000, and increase the income phase-out to $500,000. But only the first $1,100 would be refundable, meaning a taxpayer could receive a check for that amount even if they did not owe income tax.”

    Wait so they get 1100 per child, Medicad, CHS, HUD, SNAP, WIC Heap etc… and they need more money? More handouts?

    yamsar
    yamsar
    6 years ago

    I have been thinking over tha last few days, prompted by a comment from Archy, that I may have been hurtful in my comments and responses to others. I would like to ask forgiveness for any pain caused. I will be more mindful of other people’s feelings if and when I post in the future.

    abilenetx
    abilenetx
    6 years ago

    I have never seen a congress who hated its people and country that much that they rather see it go down then compromise and pass at least one bill for the good of the people. It may not be perfect but none of the bills passed are ever perfect and there have been many bills that pass that were destructive. Congress really hates Trump that much??

    hashomer
    hashomer
    6 years ago

    The GOP and The Orange Haaman plan to give the country to the corporations and the super rich with their so-called ‘tax cuts’. They will celebrate their thievery until their trailerpark goose-schleppers find out they’ve been fleeced. That will happen soon. Even in Alabama former Trumpf schleppers polled at 48% disliking him. Wow.

    6 years ago

    One more thing, Archy: Your PWC associate is paid $60k per year. How many years before he becomes a senior associate earning $90k per year? Your young professional takes that associate job on the assumption that if he does his work right and progresses, he’ll get the senior job in a few year’s time. When I was with Laventhol & Horwath, I started as a junior making $13,200 in January, 1977. By July, 1980, I was a supervisor earning $26,500. Three years later, I was a manager earning $44,000 per year. Most of your low income earners don’t have those kind of increases to look forward to.