WASHINGTON _ Republican negotiators slightly increased the refundable portion of the expanded child tax credit in their tax plan, raising it to $1,400 in hopes of winning back Sen. Marco Rubio's support ahead of next week's vote.
Rubio, R-Fla., announced Thursday he was withholding support after negotiators ignored his push to make the expanded tax credit, which increases from the current $1,000 to $2,000 in the proposed bill, fully refundable for lower- and moderate-income filers.
The refundable portion in the original bill was $1,100.
The Florida senator argued that was not enough to help working-class Americans, many of whom already view the GOP plan as tilted toward the wealthy.
Rubio's office was waiting to see the final text before commenting on whether the change was enough to win him over.
"We have not seen the bill text, and until we see if the percentage of the refundable credit is significantly higher, then our position remains the same," Rubio's spokeswoman said.
Negotiators meeting Friday before unveiling the bill said they thought they had the support they needed from Rubio and other holdouts.
"I'm confident both chambers will pass it next week," said Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.
