Dems swapped a three-year expanded child tax credit extension for one year to get Manchin to drop his push for a work requirement. He hasn't budged.

Many Americans rely on tax refunds, but those checks might be delayed this year. Part of the problem is outdated 1960s equipment.

One Senate Democrat told Insider they "don't know" when they'll be able to clear the Build Back Better plan through the upper chamber.

Experts tell Insider Manchin is laying out a set of conflicting demands that are impossible to reconcile.

Rush, the only person who ever beat Obama in an election, said Manchin needs to "go back to the hills" and reconnect with his home state.

Manchin wants families to prove they have taxable earnings with a W-2. Some experts say that could shut out independent contractors like Uber drivers.

Manchin wants only working families to be eligible for monthly checks. The credit expired last year and Democrats don't have a clear path to renew it.

Dec. 15 was the last direct payment until Democrats can convince Sen. Manchin to help them pass a spending bill that will renew the program.

The Biden administration is punting a renewal of the child tax credit to next year, all but ensuring families will go without aid in January.

Manchin has made it clear the cost should not exceed $1.75 trillion, a source told Insider. The child tax credit costs $1.4 trillion over 10 years.

Manchin poses a big obstacle for Democrats seeking to pass their bill by Christmas and avoid cutting off 35 million families from child tax credits.

Lingering issues over the scope of Biden's $2 trillion spending plan could force Democrats to work through Christmas to preserve the child tax credit.

Joe Manchin is pouring cold water on a vote before Christmas. "It would be a tragedy if the child tax credit lapses," Michael Bennet told Insider.

If Congress fails to step in, 9 million kids could either slip below poverty line or fall deeper into poverty.

Nearly 35 million families could lose monthly checks if the spending fight drags into next year. Final child tax credit payments go out December 15.

If Congress acts before the last payments on Dec. 15, the IRS may be able to quickly get the money to families like it did with stimulus checks.

Republicans, including McConnell, are stepping up their attacks on a benefit that Democrats are touting as an anti-poverty measure.