Galen Carey, NAE Director of Government Affairs, signed on to a letter urging Senators to cosponsor S. 2816, which would permanently extend the 2001 adoption incentives. Representatives from the Christian Medical Association, National Right to Life Committee, Anglicans for Life and Concerned Women for America also signed the letter. 

Dear Senator:

The undersigned groups urge you to cosponsor S. 2816, introduced by Senators Jim Bunning and Ben Nelson, which amends Section 901 of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.

The bill would permanently extend the 2001 adoption incentives, allowing those Americans who adopt a child to continue to receive a credit in the amount of their qualified expenses, and guarantee the maximum $10,000 credit for those who adopt children with special needs.

Passage of this legislation is crucial to broadening adoption opportunities for American families, and to ensuring that adoption is not an option solely for the wealthy. International adoptions, for example, can cost $20,000-30,000, while domestic adoptions often cost $15,000 or more. Tax credits help typical families overcome financial obstacles and open their homes to a child who has no home. Additionally, this bill will allow families to receive the credit in the year an adoption expense is paid or incurred. Currently, those who adopt a child must wait until the following taxable year before receiving a tax credit for an adoption expense. This important change will expedite financial relief, putting money back into the pockets of middle income families who struggle through the lengthy and costly adoption process.

Providing a loving, stable home for children and helping couples realize their dream of welcoming a child into their arms is a goal that transcends typical policy battle lines. Supporting this bill is a wonderful opportunity to provide practical help to children and couples in every community.

As you may recall, Congress in 2001 passed important adoption incentives in the form of tax credits. Unless Congress takes action, those vital tax credits will be reduced by half on December 31, 2010.

Thank you very much for your consideration of these views.

David Stevens, MD, MA
CEO, Christian Medical Association

Douglas Johnson
Legislative Director, National Right to Life Committee

Galen Carey
Director of Government Affairs, National Association of Evangelicals

Georgette Forney
President, Anglicans for Life

Wendy Wright
President, Concerned Women for America