On Dec. 8, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4297, the Tax Cut Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005, by a vote of 234-197. Unlike its companion bill in the Senate, S. 2020, H.R. 4297 does not include charitable reform provisions. There are also a number of other major differences between the two bills that the House and Senate are expected to iron out in conference. A House-Senate conference could begin as early as next week, though it is unclear whether conferees will have enough time to come to agreement before Congress adjourns for the year. It is speculated that the Senate will adjourn on the 15th.