To be a strong nation, we must have strong families. But after four years of President Biden, families across America are struggling. The cost of everyday life, from groceries and gas to mortgage payments and rent, has skyrocketed. Working-class Americans are questioning not only whether they will be able to start a family, but also whether they will be able to care for their older relatives. After all, years of Bidenflation struck those on fixed incomes the hardest.

It is more important than ever to keep families together. Instead of forcing workers to send their older loved ones to costly nursing homes at taxpayer expense, we should help more seniors live at home, cared for by those who love them the most. And instead of launching another wasteful government program out of Washington, DC, we should allow more Americans to take responsibility for the care of their elderly relatives.

48 million Americans already provide this care. They help their mothers, fathers, spouses, and grandparents every day. They take them to pick up medications at the pharmacy, buy groceries, or come over and do chores around the house. The average caregiver spends more than 20 hours per week looking after a loved one, costing, on average, over $7,200 each year. That represents almost a quarter of their income. 

While campaigning for the White House, President Trump recognized and praised hardworking Americans. He said, “They add so much to our country and are never spoken of, ever, ever, ever, but they’re going to be spoken of now.” Then, in addition to promising to lower the cost of living, raise worker pay, and bring back American jobs, he specifically endorsed a tax credit for family caregivers to help ease their financial challenges.

Since President Trump made those comments more than six months ago, he won the election. He did so, in no small part, because Americans rightly saw him as the man who would improve their quality of life, give them hope for the country’s future, and make everyday life affordable. But the struggles of family caregivers have continued without abating. The campaign trail promises must be translated into meaningful action at the White House and in Congress. Every day that goes by without action is a day more working families cannot care for their loved ones. The American people need Trump and Republicans in Congress to deliver where Biden failed.

The good news is that there is a solution. The Credit for Caring Act legislation would provide up to a $5,000 tax credit for eligible caregivers. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is leading this proposal: Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, Congressman Mike Carey of Ohio, and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez of California.

Currently, Congress is considering a comprehensive tax package, and the behind-the-scenes negotiations are underway to determine which proposals will be included and which ones will be left out. Caregivers must not be forgotten. Given the current economic situation, it has never been more important to help those who help their families. Both the House and Senate should ensure that the Credit for Caring Act is included in the package and sent to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. After all, President Trump’s promise put this issue front and center in 2024. We cannot allow it to be broken.

While it’s true that caregiving does not often make daily headlines nationally, we cannot lose sight of the quiet contributions of the 48 million caregivers across the country or the estimated $600 billion in economic value they generate in the United States. Their commitment to family is part of what makes our nation great. The Biden administration left them behind. We need President Trump, Vice President Vance, and members of the House and Senate to raise their voices, to fight for these Americans, and to demand that caregiving is prioritized. 

The time to give these hardworking Americans a financial lift is now. President Trump was given a mandate to deliver for working families. Acting to support caregivers is how we can make our families and nation great again.