One Month Until Child Tax Credit Payments Stop if Senate Doesn’t Pass Build Back Better

December 15, 2021

Washington, D.C. — This morning, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chair of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, shared this statement, as the sixth monthly Child Tax Credit is deposited in millions of parents’ bank accounts today:

“Central Texas parents are receiving their sixth monthly Child Tax Credit payments for each child. These payments have been called ‘Social Security for Children,’ and described as a tax cut for families with children. We approved this support for children over the objection of every single Texas Republican. And now they are trying to stop further payments.

Unless the Senate finally acts to approve Build Back Better legislation, Republicans win and parents will receive no payment on January 15^th or thereafter. The Senate has had this House-approved Build Back Better bill for weeks. For the children whose future hangs in the balance, the time for Senate action is now.”

In July, Rep. Doggett joined Foundation Communities, Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes, and Austin parent and recent Texas State graduate Cristina Guajardo to mark the first day of Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments. They explained who can expect payments automatically and how much is coming—as well as how parents who do not normally file a tax return could ensure they do not miss out on these important payments and get free, bilingual help from Foundation Communities. The video of this press conference is available here. Rep. Doggett has published an FAQ webpage for families’ questions, available in both English and Spanish here.

Nationwide, according to the Joint Economic Committee:

Based on the latest data available, the expanded CTC will generate nearly $19.3 billion in spending in local economies each month nationwide.
Family finances have improved significantly following the first monthly payments in July. Analysis based on data from the Census Bureau shows that following the July payments there were significant declines in the share of households with children reporting financial hardship and food insufficiency.
Families are using the expanded CTC payments to meet the needs of their household. Among those who responded to the Census Bureau’s survey: 47% spent their CTC payment on food, 28% spent it on internet and other utilities, 26% spent it on school expenses, and 17% of those with at least one child under age 5 spent it on child care.

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