Lankford Joins Senators to Introduce Bill to Expand Tax Relief to Pregnant Moms

WASHINGTON, DC —Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) today introduced a bill to expand the Child Tax Credit to cover all families, including pregnant moms. The Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act 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 accompany caring and planning for the care of a newborn baby. 

“Parenting costs don’t just begin after a baby is born,” said Lankford. “As anyone with children knows, expecting parents have many expenses to prepare for the arrival of their newborn. It makes sense to expand the Child Tax Credit to cover the costs of that child whether they are incurred before or after birth. I hope it is brought for a vote in Congress – it is an easy way to help families who are planning for the care of a newborn baby.”

“This is about putting more money into the pockets of pregnant moms,” said Daines, who was the lead sponsor of the bill. “Whether they are stocking up on diapers or taking time off work for their child’s prenatal care, pregnant mothers begin to provide for their child and plan for the future as soon as they hear the good news. All mothers and all children deserve the same attention under the law. My bill recognizes this and will bring fairness to pregnant mothers as they grow their families.”

“Pregnancy is an exciting time for moms as they prepare for the arrival of their little one, but it also means new expenditures,” said Ernst. “By extending the Child Tax Credit to expecting mothers, we can help alleviate some of the financial stress so they can focus on preparing to welcome their newborn to the world.”

In the House of Representatives, Mark Meadows (R-NC), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Luke Messer (IN) introduced a companion bill. 

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