Now that the longest government shutdown in history is over, it’s imperative that Washington lawmakers quickly prioritize pro-economic growth policies.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by recognizing that strong families are the backbone of a vibrant and prosperous economy.

After all, every American family wants the same thing: the chance to work hard, provide for their children, and leave the next generation better off than the last. That promise—the American Dream—has always been rooted in two pillars: the dynamism of the free market and the strength of the family. When those two forces work together, our country flourishes.

We’ve seen this in action. President Donald Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut Act simplified the tax code and lowered rates, freeing small businesses to hire, invest, and grow. 

Over time, the economy is expected to continue growing.

We are beginning to see positive signs that the economy is trending in the right direction. According to the latest figures, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.8% in the last quarter.

Of course, many families continue feeling squeezed.

The costs of child care, housing, and groceries are eating into paychecks. Many parents feel as if they are running faster only to stay in the same place. If we want a stronger economy tomorrow, we must strengthen families today. That means pairing the power of the free market with smart, pro-family policies.

One of the most effective tools we have is the Child Tax Credit. Properly designed, the credit serves two important purposes: it offsets the rising costs of raising children, and it encourages families to remain in the workforce by rewarding their work.

A stronger, fully work-linked Child Tax Credit would mean more money in parents’ pockets for essentials like child care and transportation—the very costs that often push families out of the labor force. In turn, our economy gains from higher workforce participation and a stronger middle class.

Some worry that expanding the credit would distort the market. The truth is the opposite: families are the foundation of the market. Raising children is not a private luxury—it’s a public good. Tomorrow’s innovators, workers, and taxpayers are being raised around dinner tables today. If we do not account for the actual costs parents shoulder, we undermine the very system we rely on for growth.

Beyond the Child Tax Credit, the path forward is clear: cut red tape that drives up family costs, ensure tax policy never penalizes marriage or child-rearing, and modernize workforce programs so parents can gain new skills without losing support. Each of these reforms strengthens families while reinforcing free-market principles.

Washington lawmakers will have to prioritize addressing these issues as the latest government shutdown agreement provides funding until January 2026. This means that policymakers do not have a long runway to introduce, debate, and negotiate a bill to prevent another government shutdown.

Lawmakers will naturally want to include their pet issue in these negotiations, but they would do well to remember that without strong families, the social fabric frays. Without a thriving workforce, the economy stagnates. But when free markets and families are both strong, America is unstoppable.

The Working Families Tax Cut Act proved that bold reform could revive opportunity. Now we need to take the next step. Expanding the Child Tax Credit, cutting unnecessary regulations, and aligning policy with the realities of family life will ensure the American Dream for future generations.

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