August 01, 2024

Manchin Statement on Opposition to Tax Reform Bill

Legislation will further harm the nation’s economic health by failing to help only the West Virginians and Americans who need assistance the most

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) released the following statement on his decision to oppose the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.

“While I appreciate the efforts that went into crafting this bill, regrettably, I could not vote for the legislation as written given my concern that it will not provide direct assistance to the working, low-income families that need it the most. We should look for ways to encourage and support parents who work hard and consequently instill a work ethic in their children. Unfortunately, this bill falls short. The legislation would reinstate tax provisions that have expired over the past two years, even though our economy has continued to grow since their expiration, proving that they are simply unnecessary. Instead, we should be dedicating those resources to reward working families while paying down our national debt.

“Let me be clear: every child deserves a fair chance to achieve the American Dream. We can and should advance sensible, compassionate policies that support hard-working families such as the Small Business Child Care Investment Act and After Hours Child Care Act, both of which I strongly support. But we cannot ignore our nation’s unsustainable, dangerous and skyrocketing level of national debt, which surpassed $35 trillion this week. Our crisis of fiscal irresponsibility is the single greatest threat our children and grandchildren are facing and addressing it now means making tough decisions.

“This bill never went through the Senate Finance Committee and it was brought to the floor the day before a five-week recess without time for meaningful debate, discussion, or amendment process. For an issue as critically important as the United States tax code, which affects every single American working family and business, it would be a disservice to our constituents to rush this through. I stand ready to work with my bipartisan colleagues to reform our tax code in a way that helps the families who need it the most and make an effort to improve families’ well-being – while also prioritizing our economic security and getting our financial house in order. This bill simply misses the mark.”