Congress Explores Real Estate Issues

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WASHINGTON, DC-Two key issues pending in Congress of key importance to the real estate community–the extension of a 15-year leasehold improvement depreciation and immediate deductibility for brownfields cleanup costs–appear likely to be headed for successful conclusion by the Memorial Day weekend, and perhaps as soon as this week. According to Stephen M. Renna, senior vice president and counsel of the Real Estate Roundtable, these measures, originally part of a $70-billion tax reconciliation package, are likely going to be part of a separate House-Senate conference committee on pension reform legislation.

“There is no controversy about the provisions,” Renna says. “The only controversy, and that is being resolved, is the process on how to get them passed. ” It could be done as early as this week.”