Having children is one of life’s greatest joys. Unfortunately, many developed nations seem to be drifting away from this fundamental belief, and we can see this shift reflected not just in fertility rates but also in how cultures regard family life. However, my 60-plus years of experience in public service, including time in Congress, have left me feeling optimistic. I genuinely believe that young people are starting to reconnect with the core values of American society that have been around for 250 years.
Family life and parenting provide meaning and responsibility, shaping our economic future. It’s crucial for Congressional Republicans to be supportive of initiatives that aid families, especially when it comes to tax policies that influence children. The House’s passage of the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which expands child tax credits, is a promising start. Now, the Senate needs to step up.
Many couples report that they are having fewer children than they desire due to financial pressures. The average is now less than 0.5 children per couple. Raising children today is more financially burdensome than it’s ever been. Over the last three decades, childcare costs have skyrocketed, sometimes exceeding college tuition in several states. Moreover, parents often need more space for their families, compounding the challenges posed by the national housing crisis.
The cultural landscape adds more complexity. People today are hyper-aware of the best daycare options, the top schools, and the safest neighborhoods. Many couples hesitate to start families if they can’t meet a higher standard of living. What was once a political jab about “making the perfect enemy” has morphed into the reality of our daily lives. Costs, social media pressures, and the pandemic have only exacerbated the situation.
While Congress can’t fix everything, reducing the financial strain of parenting is among the most essential steps politicians can take. Back in 2017, during President Trump’s first term, I had the opportunity to help double the child tax credit to $2,000 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
I realized that any efforts to reshape tax laws and stimulate economic growth couldn’t ignore families. That initiative benefitted millions of working families, encouraging them to work and contribute to the economy.
President Trump recognized that our economy’s vitality is closely tied to the integrity of American families. If we fail to nurture our families, we’re risking the future workforce—the very people who will innovate and pay taxes. The pressing need for stability in our nation’s population is more obvious than ever.
It’s concerning to note that several developing nations face stagnation or even negative growth rates. To sustain a thriving economy, we must encourage population growth and familial expansion. A nation truly can’t prosper if it neglects the importance of family.
This vision is now championed by Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), current chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Last year, he faced considerable pressure from both sides of the aisle but managed to broker a genuine bipartisan agreement on child tax credits — an achievement reflecting a commitment to supporting families and their efforts for the next generation.
He truly embodies the spirit of family-focused policies, advocating for child tax credits under the “big, beautiful bill,” which proposed increasing the credit to $2,500 per child. We need more lawmakers like him—individuals who prioritize families over partisan interests.
This initiative isn’t merely welfare; it’s an investment that will yield benefits both in the short and long term. Research indicates that child tax credits significantly boost labor participation among low-income families. Essentially, it’s about offering more than just support to children; it’s about laying the groundwork for healthier, smarter, and more productive adults in the future.
That’s what I define as a win-win scenario for America—one that aligns with the promise made by President Trump.
The Senate has its own considerations regarding the “big beautiful bill,” which is the nature of Congress. However, it’s imperative that they uphold or enhance Smith’s advancements to the child tax credit, as this was a monumental element of the tax reform of 2017 that impacted millions of parents.
Republicans can’t abandon working-class families who have shown such support, and they must continue to secure and expand this vital investment in our future. Child tax credits resonate with common-sense policies that are needed right now.
Let’s aim to craft tax laws and policies that genuinely open doors for the next generation.
