Max Baucus: “I assure him, as a member of the Finance Committee, we definitely plan to take up some form of estate tax reform. I…”

“I assure him, as a member of the Finance Committee, we definitely plan to take up some form of estate tax reform. I don't know what version it would be, but clearly that has to pass this year. In addition, however, I do believe there is one other matter that is even more important than estate tax reform, and that is PNTR for China. It far transcends appropriations bills, marriage penalty relief, bankruptcy reform. Getting PNTR passed in July, I think, is of such urgency and is so important that I am constrained to object to any unanimous consent request that sets the schedule for July unless it also includes a time when we are going to take up PNTR. I know the leader knows that is my view. I just hope that in working with the leader, we can work out some accommodation to reach that objective.”