The Paramus Post - Pascrell Fights To Protect Child Tax Credit

News Article

By Mel Fabrikant

Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) voted against legislation advanced by the Ways and Means Committee majority that would deny the Child Tax Credit to parents who file their return with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

"Once again, the Tea Party Republican Congress has voted to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest amongst us on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens," stated Pascrell, the only member from New Jersey on the House Ways and Means Committee. "This latest attack by extremists is particularly cruel because it directly targets children by denying their families the Child Tax Credit if their parents cannot file with a Social Security Number. These families and their children have done nothing wrong, but will be the ones targeted to suffer so the rich can enjoy another round of tax cuts."

The provision was included in legislation marked up by the Ways and Means Committee to reduce the deficit by $53 billion over the next ten years. The legislation was required under the provisions of the Ryan Budget, which violated agreed upon spending levels in last year's Budget Control Act. The National Counsel of La Raza estimates that 85% of those affected by this change would be Hispanic and the policy would cost the typical family $70 per paycheck.

"From the refusal to pass the DREAM Act to this latest assault on the Child Tax Credit, the Tea Party Republican House has shown they are completely out of touch with the needs of the Hispanic community in this country. I remain committed to fighting them and their extremist ideas at every turn," stated Pascrell.

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