The Senate has passed the expanded Child Tax Credit, restoring the $3,600-per-child benefit that dramatically reduced child poverty when implemented temporarily during COVID-19.
What's in the Bill
- $3,600 per child under 6, $3,000 per child 6-17
- Fully refundable (benefits lowest-income families)
- Monthly advance payments option ($300/$250 per month)
- Income phaseout begins at $150,000 (married filing jointly)
- 3-year authorization with automatic extension if poverty targets are met
Expected Impact
The original expanded CTC (2021) reduced child poverty by 46% — the largest single-year decline in American history. When it expired, 3.7 million children fell back below the poverty line within months.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the new expansion will cost $120 billion over 3 years and lift 3.5 million children out of poverty.
What's Next
The bill now goes to a House-Senate conference to reconcile differences. The House version includes work requirements the Senate version omits. Final passage is expected by June.
