[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H3315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PASS THE SHORT LINE RAILROAD TAX CREDIT

  (Mr. SCHOCK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the extension of 
the Short Line Railroad tax credits that have recently expired. Because 
this credit has not been extended for 2010, the Illinois & Midland and 
Tazewell & Peoria Railroads in my district have not been able to 
perform much-needed maintenance to their infrastructure. These 
companies depend on the extension of this credit to keep their track 
laborers working and to continue to invest in their track which is 
necessary to serve local businesses in my district. Companies like 
Caterpillar, Exelon, Midwest Generation, Reed Minerals, Aventine 
Renewable Energy, and many others may lose their connection to the 
national freight rail network.
  The problems facing these companies in my district are not unique to 
the rail industry. The uncertainty of all of these expiring credits 
leave businesses in a state of flux, unwilling to make the necessary 
investments and long-term planning to expand their businesses and put 
people back to work. Over 250 Members of this body have already signed 
legislation which extends this credit. I urge the Speaker to call this 
bill and to pass the Short Line Railroad tax credit today.

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