This statement can be attributed to Olivia Golden, interim executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy.

Washington DC, August 1, 2024—The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) is disappointed by the failure of today’s vote in the U.S. Senate to advance the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. The bill was supported by 48 Senators (with 44 opposing) but required 60 votes to pass. The House of Representatives passed the bill in January with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 357-70.

This paid-for tax proposal includes a provision that would make a meaningful step toward a fully refundable and inclusive Child Tax Credit (CTC). Although the bill’s enhanced CTC falls short of what children and families received during the pandemic, these changes would boost an estimated 400,000 children out of poverty in the bill’s first year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In addition, some 3 million children in households with low incomes would benefit from their families’ incomes being raised. Under current law, an estimated 19 million children miss out on receiving the full CTC due to their families earning too little income. These proposed changes would benefit an estimated 16 million of those kids in the first year.

CLASP research concluded that the fully refundable, monthly CTC implemented during the pandemic helped families afford necessities and reduced financial stress among parents. Once the expansions expired, these benefits reversed. We will continue to fight with our partners in urging Congress to stand up for children and families by passing an equitable tax package that includes an enhanced CTC, which has been proven to significantly reduce child poverty.