Politics & Government
Sens. Rubio, Corker Back New Tax Bill, Putting Passage In Sight
Rubio had said he'd oppose the legislation unless his colleagues made the per child tax credit more generous for low-income families.
WASHINGTON, DC — Sen. Marco Rubio voiced support Friday for the latest version of the GOP tax plan that the party hopes to pass next week. With the Florida senator's backing, the bill appears likely to become law.
Shortly after Rubio made his announcement, Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, who was the only senator from his party to vote against the tax plan the first time around, said he would support the bill too. He had initially opposed the plan because of its large impact on the deficit.
Corker said he still had concerns about the bill, but concluded it was a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to make U.S. business domestically more productive and internationally more competitive."
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Rubio had said he'd oppose the legislation unless his colleagues made the per child tax credit more generous for low-income families.
On Friday, Republicans said the final legislation would do just that. Lawmakers said the bill would now let low-earners using the credit get up to $1,400 in IRS refunds if they owe little or no taxes. That's up from $1,100 in the earlier version.
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Rubio tweeted that the change is "a solid step toward broader reforms which are both Pro-Growth and Pro-Worker."
Rubio spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas said that meant Rubio would vote yes.
Two Republicans who might have missed the vote for health reasons are reportedly said to be committed to supporting the bill. Sens. John McCain and Thad Cochran, who have struggled with medical issues in recent weeks, will be able to cast their votes for the GOP tax package next week, according to fellow GOP Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio.
He told reporters on Friday: "All of our thoughts and prayers go out to Sen. McCain. He's having a tough time. I am told he will be here next week and voting. And more importantly we all wish him the best of health."
McCain, 81, is hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center where the Arizona senator is being treated for the side effects of brain cancer treatment.
Thad Cochran, 80, of Mississippi had a non-melanoma lesion removed from his nose earlier this week.
Portman said: "I'm told he will be here next week also."
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File