This is a world rife with challenges and disparities. We must take decisive action to uplift the most vulnerable among us—our children. My voice is one of many demanding impactful change. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) represents one of the most significant opportunities in our current socio-political landscape to make a substantial difference in the lives of millions of American children and their families. It’s a cause that requires our collective attention, urgency, and action.
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan tax deal with a critical component: the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. This move promised to extend support to 16 million children, with the potential to lift half a million of them out of poverty over the next two years. The evidence supporting this policy is compelling, with previous expansions leading to the lowest levels of child poverty ever recorded in U.S. history. However, despite its proven efficacy, the Senate has yet to act on this deal, leaving millions of families in limbo, waiting for the support they desperately need.
As the Executive Director of the Peace Economy Project, I find this delay unacceptable and disheartening. The Child Tax Credit is a lifeline for families and an essential tool for building a more equitable society. It’s an expression of our values and priorities as a nation. In highlighting this issue, I implore Missouri Senators Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley, along with their colleagues, to prioritize the well-being of American families by acting swiftly to pass this vital legislation.
Our organization, rooted in the principles of fostering peace and ensuring economic justice, stands firmly behind the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. We believe that by investing in our children, we are investing in our future—a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, free from the constraints of poverty. This belief is echoed in the passionate efforts of advocates across the country, including those at the First Focus Campaign for Children, who have tirelessly worked to bring this issue to the forefront of our national dialogue.
If our nation can allocate funds for wars around the world, it stands to reason that we can, and indeed must, find the means to support America’s families. The expansion of the CTC represents a clear and present opportunity to do just that. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to building a more just and equitable society, starting with our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
As members of a community dedicated to fostering economic justice and peace, we should all rally behind this cause. Let us lend our voices, our platforms, and our efforts to ensure the Senate takes action. No child should live in poverty in one of the wealthiest nations in the world. By advocating for the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, we take a stand for the values we cherish and the future we envision.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that our leaders hear our call for action and respond with the urgency and compassion that this moment demands. Contact your Senator now and demand action!
Katerina Canyon Executive Director, Peace Economy Project
