A bill that would expand the federal child tax credit is one step closer to a vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, thanks to a group of bipartisan lawmakers—and it is being lauded as a potential victory for the sanctity of human life.

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 passed through the House Ways and Means Committee last week by an overwhelming 40-3 vote.

“American families will benefit from this bipartisan agreement that provides greater tax relief, strengthens Main Street businesses, boosts our competitiveness with China and creates jobs,” said Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith.

But pro-life advocates are pleased that it would also aim to help low-income families face unplanned pregnancies and better provide for their children. It includes an expansion of the child tax credit, meaning that the amount of money a working family can receive per child will increase significantly. The amount per child also automatically adjusts to inflation for the next two years.

If the bill passes by Jan. 29, it will apply to 2023 taxes. National Review’s Leah Sargeant explained why this bill is so important right now. “Until now, families have received an automatic cut to their CTC payments every year, because the per-child benefit was not indexed to inflation. It’s ludicrous at the best of times to imagine that raising a child gets cheaper each year,” she said. “There aren’t many federal wins on the horizon, with Congress snarled in possible shutdowns and the election pending,” Sargeant added. “Pro-lifers and parents both need this win.”

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