"Much of our economic vitality comes from the innovation, research, and intellectual property stemming from this tax credit," said Baucus.  "Our bill would make it easier to access the benefit, making the credit work even more effectively and continue to lead the way to new technologies, domestic job growth, and, ultimately, a stronger U.S. economy."

Additional co-sponsors are Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., John Ensign, R-Nev., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and John Cornyn, R-Texas.