On the recordJanuary 17, 2018
After a 2-year delay, one of the worst parts of ObamaCare went back into effect at the first of this year. The medical device tax prevents Indiana companies from innovating, expanding, and hiring. This tax was created when ObamaCare was created, and that result has been a burden for the tens of thousands of Hoosier workers all over the State, including those in Warsaw, Bloomington, Mishawaka, and Indianapolis. It must be repealed. This tax is bad for patients because it drives up the cost of much- needed medical devices, and it is bad for workers because it makes America's medical device industry less competitive around the globe. Fortunately, this week, some relief may soon be on the way. After weeks of debate and a lot of work, the government funding bill we are voting on this week would provide immediate relief by repealing the medical device tax for another 2 years. This result will be good for Hoosier workers and good for Indiana's economy. In the long run, repealing the medical device tax will provide certainty in the marketplace and help keep good-paying jobs in Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the 2-year repeal of the medical device tax in the bill this week, and then continue working to find a long-term solution by permanently repealing the medical device tax. ____________________
