Letter to Congress on Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act 2023, June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

The Honorable Danny Davis
2159 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Gwen Moore
2252 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Blake Moore
1131 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorabele Randy Feenstra
1440 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representatives:

On behalf of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), we write in support of the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2023 (H.R. 3662). This legislation makes the full benefits of the adoption tax credit available to lower-income families, thereby increasing opportunities for children to be adopted.

As St. John Paul II stated, “To adopt a child is a great work of love. When it is done, much is given, but much is also received. It is a true exchange of gifts.” Adoption is a powerful way to welcome and respect life. It allows families to grow and children to grow up in a loving home. The USCCB has consistently and unequivocally supported laws and programs that encourage adoption and support families, including the adoption tax credit.

The adoption tax credit provides important assistance to make adoption less financially burdensome for families. However, it currently excludes many lower-income families from these benefits. Making the credit refundable would help adoptive families most in need of this assistance and promote equity among those at different income levels. It would also encourage the adoption of more children from the domestic foster care system. We urge you to co-sponsor this important legislation that enables more low-income families to afford permanent adoption. We stand ready to work with you to pass the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2023 and to support adoptive families.

Sincerely,

Most Reverend Borys Gudziak
Archbishop of Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia
Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development

Most Reverend Robert E. Barron
Bishop of Winona-Rochester
Chairman, Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington
Chairman, Committee on Pro-Life Activities

Letter to Congress on Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act 2023, June 2, 2023.pdf