Support New Security Tax Relief Package

On September 25, 2001, Rep. Jerry Weller (R-IL) introduced H.R. 2970, the Securing America Investment Act of 2001. H.R. 2970 is a tax credit bill that amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow businesses to expense the purchase of equipment that will secure their facilities and protect their employees’ and customers’ safety. However, this bill was not included in the House Ways & Means Committee's economic Stimulus Bill, H.R. 3090. The implications of this are:

The committee chair, Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA) wanted to pass a "clean bill" and discouraged the proposal of amendments.

2970 is still alive, and can (and appears will) be introduced again at the beginning of next session, unless GPLA and it’s industry allies are able to pass it through at a later stage in the process.

We have identified a Senate sponsor, Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-AK) who plans to introduce the bill this week if possible. The Senate bill is a clone of H.R. 2970, with some physical security equipment (wedges,

bollards, cement barriers) added as eligible equipment.

Our lobbying efforts are now focused on the Senate. Upon introduction of Sen. Murkowski's bill, we will be contacting you again with information on how to contact your Senators.

The bottom line is that there remains a distinct possibility that our bill will be added to the economic stimulus package. This could occur during the Senate Finance Committee's mark-up of the bill, or later in Conference Committee between the House and Senate. If the bill does not get in, we are extremely confident that this bill will stand-alone and be passed next session. We have received widespread support from both sides of the aisle, including the Leadership offices of Majority Leader Daschle, Republican

Leader Lott, and Chairman Baucus (Chair of the Finance Committee), and Representatives Thomas and Rangel (Chair and Ranking Minority Member of the Ways & Means Committee, respectively.)

GPLA fully supports this bill as a vital tool in securing our nation’s businesses, communities and citizens. The tax credit will allow business owners to expense 100 percent of the cost of purchase and installation of security, fire and life safety equipment in the year it was purchased.

Thank you to all of our members who have taken the time to write, call, fax, or e-mail your Congressman. Your participation and support will prove crucial to the success of our efforts.