In just a few hours Senators are going to have a distinct choice. Two amendments will be offered to repeal what I think we have all come to regard as a very nonsensical tax paperwork mandate that was included in the health care reform bill. There is broad agreement the 1099 repeal is necessary to remove Federal roadblocks to job creation. But today we have a choice on the two amendments. Today's choice comes down to what I regard as a very straightforward choice, a choice relative to fiscal responsibility, and it is illustrated by the chart I have in the Chamber. My amendment fully offsets the cost of the 1099 repeal. The alternative Baucus amendment piles $19 billion of debt onto the backs of future generations. The irony of this is just unmistakable. On one hand, we have a provision in the health care law that we have all come to regard as crazy, foolishness. Even the President has said it does not make any sense--or words to that effect. On one hand, to repeal it, we are adding to the debt of future generations. On the other hand, my amendment fully offsets that cost. Americans have sounded an alarm regarding Washington's out-of-control spending. They demand we address what is a huge $14 trillion debt.
Editor's note · Context
Senator Johanns discusses the choice between two amendments related to the repeal of a tax paperwork mandate in health care reform.
Share
More from Mike Johanns
I wish to start by saying I so appreciate the kind words by Senators McCain, Chambliss, and Isakson. I see there are others in the Chamber who may weigh in and offer a thought or two. I can't express how much I appreciate it. I would like…
I ask for the yeas and nays. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Joseph S. Hezir, of Virginia, to…
I will begin today by acknowledging the good work of the good Senator from Montana. This bill has been around for a long time, and it is our hope that we will get to a point today where we can say that finally we have solved the problems…
There has to be accountability for wrongdoing or these issues will continue and the Senate will have more hearings, not only next week or the week after, but in 5, 10, 20 years from now.





