A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the Stronger Start for Working Families Act. It changes the rules in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 regarding the refundable child tax credit. Specifically, it modifies the earned income threshold required for this credit. The text lowers this specific earned income threshold amount. These changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Yes· 3 of 20
- Scored +7
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill significantly increases the likelihood of receiving tax credits for those with very low earned income.
- Scored +5
Is this likely to lift people out of poverty?
Lowering the income threshold allows more families to access liquid support to lift them above poverty.
- Scored +4
Would children be better off under this?
The expansion of the child tax credit directly benefits children through household income.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
Increasing refundable credits may increase the federal deficit.
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
Expanding tax credit accessibility increases government outlays.
- Scored -1
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
The bill increases government spending via tax credits without stated offsets.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Lowering the threshold to one dollar: Section 2 of the bill amends Section 24(d)(1)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code by changing the earned income threshold from $3,000 down to $1. This could be positive because it makes it much easier for individuals with lower earnings to qualify for the refundable child tax credit.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts provided: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill significantly increases the likelihood of receiving tax credits for those with very low earned income. Would children be better off under this? — The expansion of the child tax credit directly benefits children through household income. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Statistically, more low-income African American families may qualify for the expanded credit. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Statistically, more low-income Hispanic families may qualify for the expanded credit. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Statistically, more low-income Native American families may qualify for the expanded credit. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Low-income individuals with disabilities may benefit from the increased credit accessibility. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Low-income white families may see a benefit. Would women be better off under this? — Women disproportionately head low-income households qualifying for the credit. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young parents with low earned income benefit from the lower threshold. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Low-income Asian American households may see a benefit. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Eligible residents may benefit from increased accessibility to the credit. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Some middle-income families may benefit depending on their specific tax circumstances. Would students be better off under this? — Student parents may benefit from the reduced income threshold.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Lowering the income threshold allows more families to access liquid support to lift them above poverty. Does this make housing cost less? — Additional household income can help low-income families afford housing. Does this make child care cost less? — Increased child tax credits can assist with the costs of childcare. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — Lower income households, which disproportionately include minority groups, receive more support. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — The increased credit may provide financial stability for vulnerable families.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Increased liquidity for low-income families can stimulate local consumption. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — Expanding tax credit accessibility increases government outlays. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — Increasing refundable credits may increase the federal deficit. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill increases government spending via tax credits without stated offsets.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill utilizes federal tax law to provide direct financial relief.
- 9/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Steven HorsfordDemocrat · Nevada
Chris PappasDemocrat · New Hampshire
Maria SalazarRepublican · Florida