While the Inflation Reduction Act recently passed by the Senate is a good start for improving the economic stability of American families, it still falls short of enacting an important policy — expanding the Child Tax Credit.

The expansion of the CTC has proven that it is an effective vehicle at reducing poverty. In fact, child poverty dropped by 40 percent once the monthly payments started reaching families who could spend it on housing, food, and educational costs for their children.

However, Congress failed to act and the provision expired at the end of 2021. As a result, poverty increased once again.

While Congress is expected to pass more tax bills that help corporations, it continues to overlook its constituents who need assistance. I urge our members of Congress, including senators Sinema and Kelly to pass an expanded Child Tax Credit that reaches the lowest-income families and includes monthly payments in any tax legislation this year.