July 25,2003

Baucus Urges Passage of Child Tax Credit Legislation

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) U.S. Senator Max Baucus made the following statement today as the U.S.House of Representatives prepares to adjourn for the summer without passing the Senate version of the child tax credit legislation:

"I am disappointed and dismayed that the House is not willing to accept the Senate version of the child tax credit legislation and has not shown any willingness to find another solution. The bill passed by the Senate more than a month ago would have provided tax relief to families who make between $10,000 and $27,000 a year. These are the folks who need it the most, and they're the ones who were left out of the President's Jobs and Growth tax bill passed earlier this year.

The U.S. Treasury begins mailing out checks today to families who make over $27,000 a year and qualify for the child tax credit. I'm pleased these families will get this important tax relief, but it is unbelievable that we're not extending the tax relief to lower income families as well.

As if it's not bad enough that we're leaving out lower income families, we're also leaving out members of the armed forces. Current law does not count income earned while stationed in a combat zone for purposes of calculating child tax credit eligibility, which means that many of our brave men and womenoverseas may not receive child tax credit checks. Many of them have been serving in dangerous regions, far from home, for months and none of the income they have made will be used when determining child tax credit eligibility. The bill passed by the Senate included a provision to correct this and help our armed forces receive the tax relief they deserve. Again, the House refused to accept this provision.

There are still a few hours left before the House of Representatives adjourn for the entire month of August. I urge the child tax credit conference committee to come together in these final hours and negotiate a solution that can be passed and signed into law."

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