[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 121 (Monday, July 12, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                            Child Tax Credit

  Madam President, on one final matter, the child tax credit--this, the 
biggest effort in over 50 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 6 and $3,000 for every child between 6 and 17. 
These payments, I am happy to say, are ready to begin this week, which 
means that, soon, most families with kids will start receiving $300 
each month for each child under 6 and $250 each month for each child 6 
to 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 
will see them in your bank accounts without lifting a finger. For those 
who for whatever reason didn't file taxes in the past 2 years, 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 childcare 
and groceries and housing and healthcare. Recent estimates by the 
Center on 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. Listening to 
their stories, I was moved to hear the relief in their voices that an 
extra little help is coming their way and the hope in their voices 
about giving their children a better future.
  This is an example of the difference between a Democratic and a 
Republican majority in the Senate. As Leader McConnell openly reminds 
everyone, not a single 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 unanimous 
Republican opposition. I believe that now we must press on and make 
these expanded payments a permanent part of our Tax Code.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered