Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009

Mr. Speaker, there is a great debate over the January 1 tax increases of over $2,000 annually per family. I strongly believe we need to extend tax relief for all Americans to create jobs, and I hope that the bipartisan issue of the adoption tax credit is also quickly extended.

While extremely rewarding, the adoption process may be expensive, often pricing out hardworking individuals and couples. To help keep the dream of parenting alive, Congress originally passed, and President Clinton signed, a $5,000 tax credit per adoptive family. A great success, this credit was later increased to $10,000. Today, however, we are facing a looming deadline that threatens this financial incentive and compromises the ability of average American families to adopt.

I urge Speaker Pelosi to immediately schedule a vote on H.R. 213, the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, before the adjournment of the 111th Congress. When it comes to the adoption process, lawmakers should work to advance the dream of a family.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.