In a surprising turn of events, Republicans have found a new ally in the U.S. Senate – Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-V.T.
Sanders aligned with the majority of Senate Republicans in opposing a Democrat-backed spending bill aimed at expanding the child tax credit and providing tax breaks for businesses.
The bill, which failed to pass with a vote of 48-44, saw Sanders break ranks with most of his Democratic colleagues, along with Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.V. — a move that raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.\
The legislation, negotiated by Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-O.R., and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith, R-M.O., was designed to provide tax credits to multi-child households with low incomes while also offering incentives for business research and development.
Despite passing the House with significant bipartisan support (357-70), the bill faced stiff opposition in the Senate.
Sanders, known for his far-left stance on social issues, joined Manchin as the only two non-Republicans to vote against the measure.
The bill’s failure comes at a politically charged moment, with the 2024 election heading to the wire.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) expressed frustration with the outcome, stating, “Today, because of Republicans, American families lost.”
Republican opposition centered on concerns about the bill’s funding and the lack of conditions attached to the child tax credit expansion.
Sen. Mike Crapo, R-I.D., the ranking member of the Finance Committee, called it a “senseless show vote” and argued that the provisions amounted to a subsidy rather than tax relief.