Congressman Robert Aderholt of Alabama has announced a significant development in the support for adoptive families. The House Ways and Means Committee’s reconciliation framework, referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” now includes a provision for Adoption Tax Credit refundability.
“One of our top priorities in reconciliation this year was providing families with a refundable Adoption Tax Credit,” stated Congressman Aderholt. He expressed satisfaction that the committee included a refundable amount of up to $5,000 for adoption expenses, which will be indexed for inflation.
Earlier this year, in March 2025, Congressman Aderholt spearheaded an initiative urging the inclusion of a refundable adoption credit in the reconciliation process. He emphasized that “for too long, the nonrefundable nature of the credit has limited its reach,” particularly affecting working- and middle-class families who might not owe enough taxes to benefit fully from it. Refundability is expected to enable more children to find permanent homes by alleviating financial barriers for adopting families.
As an original co-sponsor of H.R.2833 – Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025, Congressman Aderholt has been at the forefront of bipartisan efforts aimed at making adoption more accessible. He remarked on his personal commitment as Adoption Caucus Chairman and an advocate for children and families: “Making adoption more affordable is both morally right and fiscally responsible.”
The bill has garnered support from several groups including National Right to Life, Concerned Women for America, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, March for Life Action, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life Action, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth; Americans United for Life; Lifeline Children’s Services.
While the bill is yet to pass through all legislative hurdles, Congressman Aderholt remains focused on maintaining the refundability language as discussions progress.
