SPLC Action Fund Responds to the U.S. Senate’s Failure to Extend the Child Tax Credit

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Senate failed to advance H.R. 7024 - Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which would have temporarily expanded the child tax credit. The bipartisan bill overwhelmingly passed the House on Jan. 31, 2024, by a vote of 357-70.

“Families in the Deep South and across our nation are struggling to get by and, today, the Senate had an opportunity to help them and failed to do so,” said Theresa Lau, senior policy counsel, SPLC Action Fund.

“Economic assistance programs like the child tax credit are vital because they make a significant difference to a family’s income. The credit provides those households with lower incomes the assistance they need to feed their children or pay for housing,” Lau continued. “This bill, although not perfect, would have taken an important step towards reducing child poverty and increasing income for about 16 million families facing financial hardship.”

“Poverty is a policy choice — and our nation’s leaders must act now to keep many families, especially our children, from falling deeper into poverty,” Lau concluded.