River Bend Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 21, 2023, U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa-01) and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced the “Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act,” which allows pregnant moms to claim the Child Tax Credit for their unborn children.

“I am proud to introduce the ‘Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act.’ In Iowa, many expecting mothers are already working hard to support their growing families. In addition to financial hurdles, they also must figure out how they are going to get access to healthcare and make the necessary appointments in our rural district,” said, Miller-Meeks. “The 'Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act' not only respects the unborn, but it also gives financial relief to many families in my district that are trying to make ends meet and respect the sanctity of life.”

“Whether it’s prenatal care or stocking up on baby supplies, parents know better than anyone that providing for their child begins the minute they learn they’re expecting a baby. The Child Tax Credit should recognize the humanity of unborn children and help expecting moms and dads prepare for the arrival of their new baby,” Daines said.

Background:

This bill builds on the Child Tax Credit provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by supporting families and pregnant mothers with the many costs that come with carrying a baby, as well as planning for the care of a newborn baby.

Read the bill text HERE.

Daines’ bill is cosponsored by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (Miss.), James Lankford (Okla.), Mike Lee (Utah), Tim Scott (S.C.), Kevin Cramer (N.D.), Marco Rubio (Fla.) and Josh Hawley (Mo.).

The companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Marianette Miller-Meeks (Iowa-01). Reps. John Moolenaar (Mich.-02) and Warren Davidson (Ohio-08) are original cosponsors.

Daines introduced this bill in the 115th, 116th and 117th Congresses.

Statements of Support:

“A mother’s plans, worries and dreams regarding her child begin the moment she learns she is pregnant, not only at birth. They ought to be surrounded with love and support from the beginning of the child’s life as well. The Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms is common sense and will help provide a financial lifeline by extending the child tax credit to cover unborn children. We thank Senator Daines and Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for their leadership in spearheading this bill and are proud to support its passage.” – Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, SBA Pro-Life America’s vice president of government affairs

“The pro-life party is dedicated to supporting children and families inside and outside of the womb with real, life-affirming resources. Passing child tax credits is just one of the many ways we achieve this goal and extending this tax credit for preborn children makes sense as science proves human life begins at the moment of conception. Children are a blessing that should be encouraged not discouraged, as the for-profit abortion lobby would suggest. SFLAction applauds Senator Daines for finding ways to help with the financial burden some expecting moms face by affording them this credit before the birth of their child.”  - Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America and Students for Life Action

“Every parent knows that prepping for a child starts long before they make their appearance in the hospital room,” said Penny Nance CEO and President of Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization. “Before a baby is even born, parents must buy diapers, clothes, and furniture. Moms often will take time off from work leading up to the birth for prenatal care or simply because she is counting down the days until her little one is in her arms. Families are crucial for civil society; we should be making it easier for families to start and flourish. That is why The Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act of 2023 is necessary. This bill would provide relief for parents as they are waiting for their little one by ensuring prenatal expenses will be covered.” – Penny Nance, President & CEO of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee

Original source can be found here.