[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11565]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       COAL PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT

  Mr. WALSH. Madam President, I rise today regarding the Indian coal 
production tax credit that is being held up by bipartisan politics in 
the House of Representatives and this body. I have supported this 
important provision from my first days in the Senate. Chairman Wyden 
and Ranking Member Hatch did commendable work to bring the tax 
extenders bill to the floor in May. But since then, political 
brinkmanship has won out at the expense of good-paying jobs and 
certainty for millions of American businesses and taxpayers.
  This particular provision not only helps tribes responsibly develop 
their natural resources, but it also creates and sustains jobs and 
economic development in Indian Country to support self sufficiency and 
self determination for several American tribes. This tax credit will 
help to employ more people at a good wage and continue a policy that 
has a track record of working for Montanans.
  The Crow Nation in Southeast Montana relies on this tax credit to 
drive their economy. Like many of our tribal nations, the Crow Nation 
suffers from a much higher unemployment rate than the rest of the 
country. Unemployment for the Crow Nation is around 50 percent. That is 
unacceptable. I was proud to work with Chairman Wyden to have this 
provision added to the EXPIRE Act. The political games being played to 
bring down an important piece of bipartisan legislation are a clear 
example of why Washington is broken. Congress must take action now. 
This vital provision will keep tribal jobs and revenue intact. 
Extending this provision also means more money for our schools and 
public infrastructure in Indian Country. When I traveled to Montana's 
tribal nations in my first week as a Senator, Crow leaders, including 
tribal chairman Darin Old Coyote, shared with me how important this tax 
credit is for the future of the Crow Nation.
  I urge my colleagues to set partisan differences aside and support 
the tax extender legislation put forward by Senators Wyden and Hatch.
  The bill they put forward contains some provisions that I would not 
support as stand-alone measures, but overall the bill will be a driver 
of economic development for small businesses. This bill contains many 
provisions that are essential for job creation, and the 2-year 
timeframe helps give individuals and businesses the certainty they need 
to move our economy forward.
  Small businesses across Montana rely on many of the provisions in 
this bill to keep their companies going, from the new markets tax 
credit, which spurs development in economically distressed and 
underserved communities, to the work opportunity tax credit, which 
creates incentives for hiring veterans. These provisions are driving 
Montana's economy.
  It is irresponsible for Congress to continue to keep these businesses 
in a state of uncertainty. We must move forward with a real plan to 
encourage business investment and innovation. I urge my colleagues in 
both Chambers to put aside their political gamesmanship and show the 
courage our constituents expect and deserve.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New York.
  Mr. SCHUMER. First, let me commend my colleague from Montana. Since 
he has been here he has been one of the strongest and most stalwart 
voices in defending the rights of Native Americans, and I know they 
populate his State in large numbers. I know he has made it a passion 
and he has been extremely effective and I compliment him for that.

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