Liberal groups set up ‘war room’ to push Democrats to extend child tax credit

WASHINGTON — Two progressive groups are launching a new initiative this week urging the permanent extension of an enhanced child tax credit program, arguing that Democrats must embrace the measure as Congress debates its future amid ongoing spending negotiations.

The campaign, called Fighting Chance for Families, is a joint effort of the progressive think tanks Data for Progress and Groundwork Collaborative. Leaders from both groups say they plan to tout polling and studies about the program to advocate for its extension, saying it is both a political and policy winner for Democratic lawmakers and President Joe Biden.

“Democrats need to pursue policies that enact transformative change and are popular with voters, and the Child Tax Credit is exactly that,” Sean McElwee, executive director of Data for Progress, said in a statement. “Fighting Chance for Families will urge lawmakers to seize the opportunities afforded by the current political moment to push for this landmark policy to be made permanent.”