I do not know why they suspend the exemptions.  However, to counterbalance, they have doubled the standard deductions for all the filing statuses and increased the child tax credit by $1000 if you have a qualifying child.  There are other new deductions and credits might help you, including contributing to a new IRA by April 15, 2019, if you don't have one.  To read them, click here https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/6971774

[Edited 4/6/2019 11:24AM]