Vance's Absence Highlights GOP Divide on Child Tax Credit Expansion

Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, may not be fond of "childless cat ladies," but his absence from a crucial Senate vote on expanding the child tax credit this week underscores the growing divide within the GOP on the issue.

Bridging the Partisan Gap on Family-Friendly Policies

A Missed Opportunity for Bipartisanship

The Senate is scheduled to take a procedural vote on Thursday on a House-passed bill that would expand the child tax credit for low-income families and revive several business tax breaks. However, Vance, who has been vocal about his support for policies that benefit families, will be absent from the vote as he campaigns at the U.S. southern border in Arizona.

Schumer's Strategic Move

In scheduling the cloture vote, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., acknowledged that the move was designed to force Republicans to take an election-year stand on the child tax credit, rather than to make significant progress on enacting the legislation. With the Senate scheduled to recess until September 9th, there was little chance of a full debate on the tax bill before Labor Day anyway.

Vance's Conflicting Positions

Vance's own position on the bill is not entirely clear. While he has spoken positively about elements of the tax package, such as the expansion of child tax credits for low-income households and the restoration of full, upfront deductions for research and development investments, he may argue, like many other Republicans, that they should hold out for broader legislation.

The Republican Divide

The Republican response to the bill has been mixed, with some, like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., supporting it, while others, such as Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, have dismissed it as a "show vote." The party's leadership appears to be united in opposing the bill, with several senators expressing their intention to vote against the procedural measure.

Potential Democratic Defections

While Democrats broadly support the bill, there are signs that they could face some defections. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has criticized the bill as a giveaway to big business, and Sen. Joe Manchin III, I-W.Va., who recently left the Democratic Party, has also expressed concerns about the bill's reach.

The Path Forward

Senate Finance ranking Republican Michael D. Crapo of Idaho hopes that a strong showing of Republicans voting against considering the bill will bring Democrats back to the negotiating table. Wyden, the Senate Finance Chair, has dismissed claims that he has been unwilling to negotiate, saying that he had offered a compromise to address Republican concerns.

The Broader Implications

The debate over the child tax credit expansion highlights the ongoing tension within the Republican Party between its traditional pro-business wing and its growing populist faction, which has embraced more family-friendly policies. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, the outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the party's messaging and its ability to appeal to a broader range of voters.