Zinke, Rosendale take opposing sides on bill expanding child tax credit

U.S. Reps. Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale cast differing votes on a bipartisan bill that included provisions expanding the child tax credit, which passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday 357 to 70.

Both Montana Republicans, Zinke joined 169 members of his party in voting for the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act while Rosendale, a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus and potential Senate candidate, was one of 47 Republicans to vote against it.

The legislation would add to the current, popular child tax credit by increasing the maximum refundable credit for households who owe little income taxes and allowing low-income families with multiple children to receive increased benefits. It also adjusts the tax credit for inflation.

The bill also includes new tax credits for low-income housing, disaster tax relief and tax benefits for residents of Taiwan with income from American sources. 

In a press release after the vote, Rosendale referred to the legislation as the “D.C. Cartel Tax Bill,” arguing that it will benefit immigrants in the U.S. illegally, distribute “government handouts without work requirements” and add to the federal government’s fiscal irresponsibility. 

Rosendale could not be reached for comment before the Daily Inter Lake’s press deadline.

Of the 70 representatives that opposed the legislation, 30 of them were Freedom Caucus members. Many far-right House members, including members of the Freedom Caucus, opposed the bill for expanding the child tax credits, according to multiple media outlets. 

Zinke, by contrast, boasted about voting in favor of the legislation on Thursday. In a press release detailing his support, he stated that the legislation decreases Covid-era spending, encourages research and development, and adjusts the child tax credit for working families. 

“My tax policy is simple — lower taxes, less government, more growth. This legislation fits the bill,” Zinke said in a statement. 

Zinke said that the child tax credit is a “structure that rewards work.” 

“I absolutely support the updates to the child tax credit,” Zinke said in an emailed statement in response to questions from the Inter Lake. “Families on fixed incomes are being hurt by Biden’s economy the most … This bill incentivizes workforce participation and helps Montanans keep more of their paychecks.”

The bill supports middle-class families by adding an inflation adjustment to the $2,000 child tax credit topline, eliminates penalties for large families to ensure that incentives apply equally to families with multiple children and adds flexibility, according to Zinke’s office. 

The bill, according to Zinke, also rejects “extreme politics advocated by far-left groups that would eliminate existing work requirements or allow the IRS to send out recurring checks.”

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. Senate Republicans began criticizing the measure Wednesday as it inched toward passage in the House. 

Still, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester anticipates the legislation to win approval in the upper chamber. When asked how he would vote, Tester pointed out the bill’s provisions on child tax credits, housing expansion, and boosting research and development. 

“I like those things. I think they're good,” Tester said on Thursday. “We will study the bill further [as it comes to the Senate].”

Daines’ office did not respond immediately for comment. 

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.