September 28,2008

Baucus Comments On House Announcement On Tax “Extenders"

MEMORANDUM

To: Reporters and Editors
From: Carol Guthrie for Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Re: House announcement on tax “extenders”

Finance Chairman Baucus commented briefly today following an announcement that the House of Representatives has not agreed to take up Senate legislation that would provide renewable energy tax incentives, protect 20 million Americans from the alternative minimum tax, and providetax relief for families and businesses, but instead will consider separate bills addressing tax issues. 

From Chairman Baucus:

“This move in the House endangers tax relief that American businesses and families need right now. While I commend the House’s effort to fully offset the cost of this needed tax legislation, it is clear to me from discussions in the Senate that even this new package of bills will not pass in this body. Therefore, the tax relief agreed to in the Senate is the only legislation with any hope of providing energy tax incentives, protection from the alternative minimum tax, and business and family tax cuts this year. The tax relief passedby the Senate does what all of us want: it supports jobs, energy, and families at a time when our country is in financial crisis. The House needs to take a vote on the Senate package and pass these tax breaks for jobs, energy, and families, period, even at somecost. Americans need the sound energy future, the good-paying jobs, and the tax relief the Senate bill ensures. The House can provide it with one vote. I hope that vote will be scheduled soon.”

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