Thomas Daschle: “first let me compliment the distinguished majority leader for the effort he has made to bring us to this point. Were it…”

“first let me compliment the distinguished majority leader for the effort he has made to bring us to this point. Were it not for his effort, we would not have accomplished what we have with this unanimous consent agreement. I appreciate his efforts. Let me also single out in particular the distinguished Senator from Arkansas. Without her persistence and her effort, now weeks long, we would not be here. She has spoken out with courage and conviction and empathy on behalf of 12 million children, 8 million families who otherwise would be left out of tax relief. The argument that she has made from the beginning has been without this legislation those millions of children and those working families would get no tax relief on July 1. The passage of this legislation today will accommodate that concern, that need. This will give us an opportunity to send the recommendation to the House. It will send a clear message to working families that we are serious about providing the kind of tax relief that is so necessary for these families if we are going to provide it to others; that it will be available. The refundable child credit assistance can be made available in time for tax relief provided to others as well. I commend the Senator. I commend the majority leader. I thank my colleagues for this agreement. I yield the floor.”