On the recordNovember 29, 2010
The Senator from Nebraska and I both seek to repeal the provisions in the health care reform act referring to 1099. They are identical in that respect, but actually we go further and give more relief to small business than does the Senator from Nebraska. The Johanns amendment would also give the unelected Director of the Office of Management and Budget the power to slash $33 billion in appropriated spending entirely at his own discretion, taking away the responsibility of the Congress. I do not think that is a good idea. The Johanns amendment, thus, puts at particular risk slower spending accounts that fund vital purposes. The Johanns amendment puts at risk international narcotics control, law enforcement funding, $39 billion worth of funding solely in the discretion of the OMB Director, taking that power away from the Congress. I think that is a bad idea. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Johanns amendment.
