Signs of a midterm backlash are mounting for the GOP after Roe was overturned. Here are 3 proposals put forward by Republicans to support families.

Joseph Zeballos-RoigSep 7, 2022, 00:30 IST

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) departs the US Capitol on April 27, 2022.STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

Republicans face a potential backlash in November after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
A new WSJ poll shows Democrats gaining ground among independent and women voters.

Republicans spent much of the year pummeling Democrats on inflation and hoping to cruise on a "red wave" in the November midterm elections. But the huge swell they once envisioned may end up being more of a ripple instead.

There are mounting signs of a backlash for Republicans after the Supreme Court tossed out Roe v. Wade in June. A recent Wall Street Journal poll shows Democrats making steady gains among women, independents, and young voters. Part of it may also be tied to recent Democratic victories on their economic and climate agenda, gun safety, and improved healthcare access for veterans.

Some Republican lawmakers have released proposals meant to showcase the party's support for families in more modest ways, reflecting a conservative reluctance to back a sizable expansion of the safety net. The GOP has staunchly opposed President Joe Biden's ambitious proposals for childcare, paid leave, and monthly checks to parents.

Here's an overview of three plans that Senate Republicans put forward to financially support families.

Sen. Mitt Romney wants to send monthly checks to parents.

Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah.Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah unveiled a rebooted proposal in June to provide most parents with up to $350 per kid in monthly checks, totaling $4,200 annually for younger children. A larger share of the cash benefit would flow to working parents while shrinking payments to those who aren't employed.

GOP Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Steve Daines signed onto the plan as well. But it falls far short of the GOP votes needed to give it a shot at become law.

The measure differs from the expired Biden child tax credit implemented last summer since it reimposes a work requirement for parents to be eligible. An analysis from Niskanen Center indicated the Romney proposal would slash child poverty by roughly 13%. By comparison, the Biden child tax credit dented child poverty by a third.

GOP Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Steve Daines signed onto the plan as well. But it falls far short of the GOP votes needed to give it a shot at become law.

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana supports allowing pregnant women to claim the child tax credit.

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana.AP Photos / J. Scott Applewhite and Alex Brandon

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana is leading a measure that would allow pregnant mothers to claim the child tax credit, issuing up to $2,000 provided they have taxable income.

"Expecting parents begin providing and preparing for their child the minute they learn they're having a baby—the Child Tax Credit should reflect the fact that unborn children are children too," Daines said in a January statement. "From prenatal care to stocking up on baby supplies, this tax relief will help parents prepare for the arrival of their baby."

Twelve other Republicans, including Sens. Romney, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, and Tim Scott of South Carolina endorse the measure as well. But it's unlikely to gain traction anytime soon.

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana is leading a measure that would allow pregnant mothers to claim the child tax credit, issuing up to $2,000 provided they have taxable income.

Expecting parents begin providing and preparing for their child the minute they learn they're having a baby—the Child Tax Credit should reflect the fact that unborn children are children too, Daines said in a January statement. From prenatal care to stocking up on baby supplies, this tax relief will help parents prepare for the arrival of their baby.

Twelve other Republicans, including Sens. Romney, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, and Tim Scott of South Carolina endorse the measure as well. But it's unlikely to gain traction anytime soon.

Sen. Marco Rubio wants to make it easier for parents to take paid leave, but there's a catch.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida.Graeme Jennings/Pool via AP

Shortly after Roe was overturned, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida put forward a "pro-life" framework that included a paid leave initiative. It would provide parents with at least three months of paid leave, financed with cuts to their future Social Security benefits.

Democrats are unlikely to support the idea, since they favor expanding benefits and not reducing them. The left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that parents would lose up to 4% of their lifetime retirement benefits for every three months of leave taken.

Shortly after Roe was overturned, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida put forward a pro-life framework that included a paid leave initiative. It would provide parents with at least three months of paid leave, financed with cuts to their future Social Security benefits.

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Signs of a midterm backlash are mounting for the GOP after Roe was overturned. Here are 3 proposals put forward by Republicans to support families.

Sen. Mitt Romney wants to send monthly checks to parents.

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana supports allowing pregnant women to claim the child tax credit.

Sen. Marco Rubio wants to make it easier for parents to take paid leave, but there's a catch.