John B. Breaux
The Public Record
John B. Breaux is a former United States Senator from Louisiana, serving from 1996 to 2005. A member of the Democratic Party, Breaux previously held a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1972 to 1987. During his time in the Senate, he was known for his work on health care, tax reform, and energy policy. Breaux played a significant role in the passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and was involved in various bipartisan efforts throughout his career.
★ Featured Quote
April 26, 2012
Just like my Chevy II, things have changed, things have improved, so our recommendation is that we keep Medicare of course.
— John B. Breaux
Most widely reported
by number of sources- I rise today to introduce a very important bill for small businesses in Louisiana and throughout our country that I also introduced during the 105th Congress. My bill would restore the 80 percent deduction for business meals and entertainment expenses, thus eliminating a tax burden that has seriously hampered many small businesses in our country. Small business is a powerful economic engine, both nationwide and in Louisiana. Small businesses have helped to create the prosperity that we have all enjoyed in the last few years. They are leaders in the innovation and technology development that will sustain our economy in the 21st century. Nationwide, small business employs 53 percent of the private work force, contributes 47 percent of all sales in the country, and is responsible for 50 percent of the private gross domestic product. For these reasons, I believe the tax code should encourage, not discourage, small business development and growth. For the more than 225,000 self-employed and for the thousands of small businesses in Louisiana, business meals and entertainment take the place of advertising, marketing, and conference meetings. These expenses are a core business development cost. As such, a large percentage of these costs should be deductible.3 sources1999govinfo.gov
- I rise today to introduce tax legislation which proposes only a small technical modification of current law, but, if enacted, would provide significant simplification of routine corporate reorganizations. The legation is identical to S. 773 which I introduced on April 13 of last year. This proposed change is small but very important. It would not alter the substance of current law in any way. It would, however, greatly simplify a common corporate transaction. This small technical change will alone save corporations millions of dollars in unnecessary expenses and economic costs that are incurred when they divide their businesses. Past Treasury Departments have agreed, and I have no reason to believe the current Treasury Department will feel any differently, that this change would bring welcome simplification to section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code. Indeed, the Clinton Administration in its last budget submission to the Congress had proposed this change. The last scoring of this proposal showed no loss of revenue to the U.S. Government, and I am aware of no opposition to its enactment.3 sources2001govinfo.gov
- today I introduce the ``Distilled Spirits Tax Payment Simplification Act of 1997,'' a bill more readily known as All-In-Bond. This bill would streamline the way in which the Government collects Federal excise tax on distilled spirits by extending the current system of collection now applicable only to imported products to domestic products as well. Today wholesalers purchase foreign-bottled distilled spirits in bond--tax free--paying the Federal excise tax directly after sale to a retailer. In contrast, when the wholesaler buys domestically bottled spirits--nearly 86 percent of total inventory--the price includes the Federal excise tax, prepaid by the distiller. This means that hundreds of U.S. family-owned wholesale businesses increase their inventory carrying costs by 40 percent when buying U.S. products, which often have to be financed through borrowing. Under my bill, wholesalers would be allowed to purchase domestically bottled distilled spirits in bond from distillers just as they are now permitted to purchase foreign-produced spirits. Products would become subject to tax on removal from wholesale premises. This legislation is designed to be revenue neutral and includes the requirement that any wholesaler electing to purchase spirits in bond must make certain estimated tax payments to Treasury before the end of the fiscal year. All-In-Bond is an equitable and sound way to streamline our tax collection system.3 sources1997govinfo.gov
- I introduce today, together with my senior colleague from Louisiana, Senator J. Bennett Johnston, a bill to authorize the Corps of Engineers to conduct maintenance dredging for the Chalmette Slip. The project is needed to assist the St. Bernard Port, Terminal and Harbor District conduct its current daily business more effectively and to facilitate future development. Located in St. Bernard Parish near mile 90.5 of the Mississippi River, the project's authorization would be carried out as part of the currently authorized and ongoing operations and maintenance project for the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge to the Gulf of Mexico. The slip's depth is now approximately 30 feet. The authorization would allow it to be deepened to 33 feet, over a distance of approximately 1,500 feet. With the additional depth needed to help the port operate more effectively and to improve its operations, the project certainly is a justified one. Senator Johnston and I are hopeful that the proposed Chalmette Slip authorization will be included as part of the Water Resources Development Act legislation when it is taken up by the Senate. We urge its consideration and passage.2 sources1996govinfo.gov
Apr 26, 2012
My opinion is that in order to ever reach an agreement between the two parties, Congress is going to have to combine the best of what government can do with the best of what the private sector can do and put the two together.
Apr 26, 2012
Let me suggest it is a program that is more popular today than the Congress that wrote it.
Apr 26, 2012
The great challenge today I would just suggest to both my Democratic colleagues and my Republican friends and colleagues... is how do both political parties bridge the gap between the different political philosophies and produce health…
Apr 26, 2012
I think the whole debate politically about ending Medicare as we know it, I think we want to change Medicare.
Apr 26, 2012
I remember when I was in Congress when I wanted to stop something from happening, I used to offer an amendment to do a study, or maybe to do a demonstration program, hoping it never got completed.
Jan 22, 2006
I think it's hers to lose. I think it's the consensus among Democrats that I've talked to that she's clearly in the lead, is clearly the person that they have to beat.
Jan 22, 2006
The fundraising and the traveling, things she's done for the party, I mean, she's a real rock star on the fundraising circuit.
Dec 8, 2004
I rise to inform our Senate colleagues of the very unfortunate, untimely, and unexpected death of a person last evening who was truly a part of the family of the Senate. Although he was never elected to this body, he served this body with…
Dec 8, 2004
I rise to speak about the Elder Justice Act of 2004, the substitute for S. 333 as reported by the Committee on Finance. This bill is designed to greatly enhance our knowledge about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and how to combat…