Weber Times

Representative Blake Moore has reintroduced the bipartisan Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025 to address income-related barriers to adoption. Joining Moore in this legislative effort are Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Don Bacon (R-NE), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), and Robert Aderholt (R-AL). Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) will introduce similar legislation in the Senate.

The Adoption Tax Credit aims to help families cover the costs of adoption, particularly for children with special needs. Currently, the credit disadvantages low- and middle-income families, notably those with incomes from $30,000 to $50,000 annually. This situation poses issues since about half of youth adopted from foster care live in families earning 200% or less of the federal poverty level. The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025 seeks to make the credit refundable, a return to policy during the Great Recession, to eliminate financial barriers to adoption.

“Even before joining Congress, I have been committed to supporting and engaging with the adoption community in Utah,” said Rep. Blake Moore. He emphasized that many families face financial obstacles to adoption, stating that, "This bipartisan bill will make the adoption tax credit fully refundable."

Rep. Davis describes the act as “common-sense federal policy,” removing income barriers to adoption and helping vulnerable children find permanent families. “I am proud to work across the aisle to improve the Adoption Tax Credit to better help more children and families benefit,” he said.

Rep. Feenstra, speaking as a father, emphasized that financial limitations should not prevent Iowans from adopting. “To keep our communities strong, we need to invest in our families and help every child find a permanent, loving home,” Feenstra stated.

Rep. Gwen Moore noted, “This bipartisan legislation can offer support that helps transform the lives of countless children and families.”

Rep. Bacon, as an adoptive parent and Foster Youth Caucus co-chair, stated, “By making the adoption tax credit fully refundable, this bill makes it easier for families to adopt.”

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove pointed out the need for "commonsense efforts" like this to reform the care system, benefiting families and children.

The potential impact on the adoption landscape is recognized by several advocacy organizations. The legislation has support from 98 groups, including the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and the National Council for Adoption. Deb Guston of the Academy lauded the bill's potential to "help secure their futures."

Kate McLean of the CCAI highlighted the importance of advancing adoption tax credit refundability, and Liga Cushman of Families Rising called the legislation a "beacon of hope." Ryan Hanlon of the National Council For Adoption noted that “The cost of adoption should never be a barrier for children to find permanent, loving families.”

Patrick Lester from Voice for Adoption commented on the current tax credit's inadequacy for low-income families, stating, “This bipartisan legislation will make adoption possible for many more vulnerable children.”