Montana Senator Max Baucus is applauding his fellow senators for recently passing a bill that will extend the $8,000 tax credit to more of the state's first time home buyers.

Baucus ensured the that the unemployment insurance extension contained a provision to extend the tax credit to April 30, 2010. It also provides a $6,500 credit to new purchasers who have lived in their current residence for five years or more.

"Real people are facing real hardships today, every day" Baucus said. "But, today we can be certain the immediate relief this bill provides puts us one step closer to strengthening and stabilizing our economy for years to come. And all of us are very proud of this very necessary step."

The bill also includes tax help for Montana's military families who must sell their homes because of a reassignment. The bill passed the Senate with a 98-0 vote on Wednesday and now must pass the House of Representatives.