John,

Late yesterday, the U.S. Senate held a vote on the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024)―the tax package that includes an expanded Child Tax Credit.

Despite the bill passing the House earlier this year with broad bipartisan support, it did not meet the 60 vote threshold it would need to advance in the Senate.¹

We’re incredibly disappointed that 44 Senators blocked a tax package that would have increased the Child Tax Credit for 80% of low-income families who do not currently receive the full credit. It would lift 400,000 children out of poverty immediately, rising to 500,000 above the poverty line in 2025.²

Congress needs to hear from you.

Click here to send messages to your senators now―a thank you message to those who voted to advance the expanded Child Tax Credit and a message of disappointment to those who voted no.

Families have been struggling to meet the rising costs of essentials such as child care, rent, groceries, and school supplies. Research shows that parents used the extra money provided by the 2021 expanded child tax credit on basic necessities and―coupled with increased aid to child care centers—parental participation in the workforce increased because parents could afford child care costs.³

We’re grateful to Senate Majority Leader Schumer and the 48 Senators who voted in support of children and their families―along with the 357 Representatives who voted to pass this package earlier this year⁴―and we need to hold policymakers accountable for blocking this important measure to reduce child poverty.

We’re not giving up. The Coalition on Human Needs will continue to work with our partners and allied groups around the country to build on the momentum that many of you helped generate, and get an expanded child tax credit passed when Congress takes up major tax overhaul legislation next year.

Send a message to your senators now, thanking those who supported the bill, and expressing our disappointment to those who voted against it.

Thank you for all you do,

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs

¹ Roll Call Vote 118th Congress - 2nd Session (Note: for procedural reasons, Senate Majority Leader Schumer switched his vote to “nay” to allow for potential consideration at a later date)
² Reported Proposal to Expand Child Tax Credit Would Lift as Many as 400,000 Children Above the Poverty Line
³ Research Roundup of the Expanded Child Tax Credit: One Year On
⁴ Roll Call 30 | Bill Number: H. R. 7024