[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 57 (Thursday, April 10, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H2209-H2210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
(Mr. SALI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. SALI. Madam Speaker, continuing on with the remarks that were
just made, many U.S. companies are making plans of where they will
spend their research and development budgets for the next 3 to 5 years.
Unfortunately, this Congress has made it increasingly difficult for
these companies to invest those R&D dollars with the kind of careful
planning their needs demand.
High-tech companies are sending their R&D jobs abroad to countries
that recognize that permanent R&D
[[Page H2210]]
tax incentives induce businesses to locate research activities there.
Canada provides a 20 percent flat credit for R&D. Ireland offers a 20
percent credit, as well as a full deduction, a low corporate tax rate,
advanced infrastructure and a skilled, English-speaking workforce, all
factors that appeal to many multi-national companies.
Madam Speaker, these jobs sent overseas are permanently lost when a
company starts a new R&D project. We must keep these jobs here. The R&D
credit has already lapsed. The clock is ticking. Congress must extend
the R&D tax credit today, and we must also foster R&D at home by making
this important tax credit permanent.
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