Buttigieg Defends Democrats Against ‘Anti-Family’ Attacks

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded firmly to Senator JD Vance’s critiques regarding the Democratic Party’s stance on family issues during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” this past Sunday.

Buttigieg emphasized that Democrats are actively working to expand the Child Tax Credit, countering Vance’s characterization of the party as “anti-family.” He noted, “First of all, let’s be clear, we’re the ones trying to get the Child Tax Credit expanded, and JD Vance couldn’t be bothered to show up in the Senate and vote for it.” He continued, “Republicans have blocked that from being expanded or it would be the law of the land right now. So if you want to talk about promoting children, promoting family, put your money where your mouth is.”

Further elaborating on the issue of family support policies, Buttigieg mentioned paid family leave, saying, “Same with a lot of other policies, like, I don’t know, paid family leave – something that Tim Walz delivered in Minnesota, something that the Biden-Harris administration sought to deliver for the American people.”

He pointed out that Republican opposition has stalled progress in these areas, adding, “Right now, Republicans are blocking it, but that’s something that they could certainly change their tune on, but they haven’t.”

In response to the heated discussion, Vance defended his positions in an interview, stating that he does support the Child Tax Credit. He clarified his earlier comments regarding Democrats, asserting that he believes their policies are what he views as anti-family, rather than labeling Democrats themselves as such.

The exchange highlights a growing divide in Congress over family-supporting policies and underscores the broader debate surrounding economic support for families in America. With Vance’s remarks referencing Democrats’ policies, Buttigieg’s rebuttal underscores the Democratic approach to improving family welfare through legislative action.

As conversations continue around these significant issues, both sides remain firm in their positions, making it clear that family-related policies will likely play a pivotal role in upcoming political discussions and electoral strategies.