Centrists interested in what’s good for the nation — rather than their respective political parties — have long supported the idea of bipartisanship and compromise in Congress, and they have reason to be hopeful that Congress will succeed in passing two big proposals as a result of working across the aisle.
Compromise packages have been hammered out or are coming together on a plan for tax credits and immigration reform and funding for Ukraine and Israel.
Last week, the House passed a compromise $79 billion plan to provide families and businesses with a tax credit in an overwhelming 357-70 vote. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, showed his support of the bill Wednesday morning, and it gave both sides a chance to claim important victories.
The bill gives business tax breaks for investing in new equipment and to write off some interest on loans in a more favorable way, measures Johnson said supports conservative pro-growth agenda. Democrats favored increasing the child tax credit from $1,800 to $2,000 a year in 2025. It would also include that amount for a refundable credit to families who don’t have enough income to pay taxes.
In another hopeful move, Senate negotiators have come to a compromise plan to make changes to border policies that Republicans favor. The package couples that with aid to Ukraine, which has stalled at a critical time in the course of the war, as Russia has begun another strong offensive. The compromise would also include support of Israel.
Importantly, the Senate Republican leaders do not appear to be listening to former President Donald Trump as he has advised against the border compromise.
Correctly, Johnson noted that the business and child tax credits were passed in a way Congress is supposed to work with vetting by the Ways and Means Committee.
The deal on border policy would put important limits on an asylum system that would slow border crossing attempts and fund the system to provide decisions in six months versus the system that now takes years.
These kind of processes and compromises give the American people more confidence that their government can work together openly and by the rules and without backroom dealing. But it also shows Congress can work to solve problems for the American people.
Americans should support and encourage these compromises and give credit to members of Congress on both sides who are making this happen.
— Tribune News Service
