Political Quotes

“Improving our rail infrastructure isn't just about getting people and goods from here to there faster and more efficiently. It is the heart of regional economic development, connecting communities, businesses, consumers, and producers to foster the kind of economic growth and job creation we as a Nation need. Our short line railroads are at the center of this, but because the Tax Extenders Act of 2009 has not been enacted into law, they have been unable to plan vital maintenance work this construction season. The section 45G short line railroad tax credit included in this bill generates 6.9 million work hours of rail maintenance-of-way each year-- the equivalent of more than 3,300 full-time jobs nationwide, not to mention the tens of thousands of jobs in America's steel and timber industries that make railroad ties and steel rail. Our short line railroads are too important to our economic recovery to neglect them any longer. It is time for both the House and the Senate to come to an agreement so we can put Americans back to work and so we can keep our railroads operating smoothly.”