Throughout 2021, Democrats touted the expanded child tax credit as one of their signature and most effective policy achievements.

The credit, expanded in March as part of the American Rescue Plan, found support in both liberal and conservative circles, and was credited in its first few months with eliminating childhood poverty in the U.S. by almost 50%. Its success made it a foundational part of President Joe Biden’s $1.75 trillion domestic spending package, which Democrats embarked on advancing in summer 2021.