Child Tax Credit Expansion Falls Short

On August 1, the Senate failed to pass a bill (H.R. 7024) that would expand the child tax credit (CTC). The bipartisan legislation, co-authored by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) would increase the amount of the credit and make it easier for families to qualify. An estimated 16 million children would benefit from the changes, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The House passed the bill on a 357-70 vote in January, but it needed 60 votes to pass in the Senate. Most Senate Republicans opposed the bill because it failed to include several of their priorities, including imposing strict work requirements for CTC recipients. They say they remain open to supporting a bill that addresses their concerns.