Max Baucus: “It has been 48 days since the Senate passed the Lincoln-Snowe bill to provide child tax credit to the families of 12…”

“It has been 48 days since the Senate passed the Lincoln-Snowe bill to provide child tax credit to the families of 12 million children. Twelve million, Mr. President, is not a small number of children in America. The House then passed a different child tax credit bill. Thirty-five days ago, the Senate appointed conferees to work out the differences between the two bills--35 days--and the conference has yet to hold its first meeting. On July 25, just 2 business days from today, many families will begin receiving checks for the increased child tax credit, but millions of families will find their mailboxes empty. Why? Millions who hoped for such a credit will not receive it. Why? Because the conference has not met and the House has not agreed to the Senate provision. The Lincoln-Snowe bill, however, would ensure that these families are not left behind. In 2 working days, the House plans to adjourn for the remainder of the summer, not addressing this important question. We must, rather, send a bill to the President before that time so that millions of children can receive the benefit.”