Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On Tens Of Millions Of Americans Receiving Child Tax Credit Payments Starting This Week Thanks To The American Rescue Plan
Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the beginning of the distribution of enhanced Child Tax Credit payments to millions of American families, which will start July 15th. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:
The biggest effort in over fifty years to reduce childhood poverty in America begins on Thursday.
Later this week, tens of millions of American families are going to see extra money hit their bank accounts when the first payments of the newly-expanded Child Tax Credit are disbursed across the country.
When Senate Democrats passed the American Rescue Plan in March, we included a provision to provide the majority of parents $3,600 per year for every child under six, and $3,000 for every child between 6 and 17.
These payments, I’m happy to say, are ready to begin this week, which means soon most families with kids will start receiving $300 each month for each child under 6; and $250 each month for each child 6-17.
I want American families to know: if you filed your taxes in either 2019 or 2020, or both, you will get these payments automatically. You’ll see them in your bank accounts without lifting a finger.
For those who, for whatever reason, didn’t file taxes in the past two years: I urge you, I strongly urge you, to go online and register at irs.gov/childtaxcredit.
Let me repeat that: irs.gov/childtaxcredit, or contact your representative for assistance.
These payments are going to make an incredible difference to millions and millions of American families struggling with the cost of child care, groceries, housing and health care. Recent estimates by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities predict that more than 4 million children – 4 million children – will be lifted out of poverty.
Childhood poverty in America cut almost in half. What an amazing thing that is.
Just this morning, I met with a group of parents in New York whose lives would dramatically improve thanks to this policy.
Hearing to their stories, I was moved to hear the relief in their voices that a little extra help is coming their way; the hope in their voices about giving their children a better future.
This is an example of the difference between a Democratic and Republican majority in the Senate. As Leader McConnell openly reminds everyone, not a single Senate Republican voted in favor of expanding the Child Tax Credit through the American Rescue Plan. I am so proud that Democrats found a way to help American families – help American kids with a brighter stronger future – despite Republican opposition, unanimous Republican opposition.
And I believe that—now—we must press on and make these expanded payments a permanent part of our tax code.
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