Catholic Democrat Joe Manchin’s position on the child tax credit has put him at odds with important allies such as the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Association of Evangelicals, and Orthodox Union. Unfortunately, these groups are in a somewhat embarrassing position after objecting to the bill’s mandate that faith-run pre-kindergarten and childcare programs obey federal non-discrimination statutes. Manchin used their objections as an excuse for his own objections, which have more to do with his dislike of helping those in need.
Political negotiations first broke down when Manchin proposed to White House officials that the bill maintain elements of the original legislation but omit an expansion of the child tax credit. Then, this week Manchin told reporters he supports the child tax credit, but only if there is a work requirement for the parents involved.
Senator Manchin has been trumpeting his work requirement for months despite his religious allies’ prediction that if the requirement becomes part of the law families who don’t pay income tax due to lack of income would not receive the benefit.
In a September 7 letter, bishops voiced support for the child tax credit expansion without the work requirement.
“It is especially important that the credit remain fully refundable to ensure the most economically vulnerable children benefit from this family support.”
The National Association of Evangelicals has not taken a position on the Build Back Better Act as a whole, but the group’s vice president for government relations, Galen Carey, has consistently expressed support for the child tax credit provision. He was asked this week about tying work requirements to the child tax credit.
“We support making the child tax credit fully available to the families who need the help the most,” he said in a statement. “Work is critically important to human dignity but having a particular level of earned family income should not be a prerequisite to accessing support for their children. Full CTC refundability is what makes it such a powerful anti-poverty tool.”
The Poor People’s Campaign, a faith-led activist group that often advocates for liberal-leaning legislation, has been protesting against Manchin’s position for months. The Rev. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, called Manchin’s excuses a “regression back to the tired debate of deserving and undeserving poor.”
Progressives may have forgotten what an incredible accomplishment the child tax credit was because it was just one item on a very long wish list. We may have also forgotten to give the Biden administration credit for its implementation.
This benefit was perfectly aimed at the most vulnerable members of society–children. And it had the added benefit of demonstrating how valuable the nation’s children are to the President and the people alike. In my opinion, if the child tax credit is all that can be salvaged from the Build Back Better Act, its survival will be a cause for celebration.
President Biden has a clear mandate. I urge his administration to extend the child tax credit–without Manchin’s work requirement.
