Max Baucus

I believe the Internet should be free and open, too. I was stunned by the circuit court decision. I ask the Senator if he could tell us how he thinks the FCC can remedy the situation now without legislation, and if the FCC cannot, we need…

This bill will help millions of Americans who are struggling to feed their families, struggling to pay the bills. Take, for example, a single father from Missoula, MT. He has been out of work for weeks. He exhausted his State benefits, and…

On March 10, the Senate passed a bill to extend unemployment insurance and a number of other provisions through the end of this year. We are currently working with the House of Representatives to agree on a package of offsets for a portion…

We are starting to come out of the worst recession since the Great Depression. A little more than a year ago, in the fourth quarter of 2008, the economy declined at an annual rate of more than 5 percent. A year later, in the fourth quarter…

I want colleagues and those who read the Record to know that the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation has made available to the public a technical explanation of the revenue provisions of the Health and Education Reconciliation Act, as…

The Chamber wishes to ensure that Glacier Park, the North Fork River Valley, and Flathead Lake remain as economically productive as they are today.

We all want to fight fraud, waste, and abuse. In fact, there are many provisions in this bill which so provide. To add to that, when we negotiated the bill, the White House came up with even stronger provisions. They have the screening…

I would like to follow up a little bit and address the same subject addressed by my good friend from Rhode Island, Senator Reed. Just a little reminder first. On March 10, the Senate passed legislation to extend both tax provisions and…

This is the return of the killer amendment. Why is it a killer amendment? Basically because this would suspend health care reform if certain arbitrary budget targets are not met. It is clearly designed to kill the bill. Therefore, Madam…

This is a motion to commit to the Finance Committee obviously designed to kill the bill. Clearly, there is inadequate competition among insurance companies in most of our States. In fact, in most States I think there are maybe just two…

The health reform legislation that was signed into law allows immigrants who are here lawfully, who are otherwise ineligible for Medicaid to receive tax credits in the exchange. However, the size of those tax credits should be based on the…

This amendment is a thinly disguised attempt to kill health care reform. Let me explain why. I remind my colleagues that the Congressional Budget Office has told us that in the first 10 years the bill actually will reduce the deficit by a…

Due to the Senator's leadership and hard work, we were able to make sure those here legally had a place to find affordable health coverage.

As I said on the Brownback amendment, there is much to be said for indexing this provision. It is true we don't want to get back into the situation we now face with the AMT because the AMT was not originally indexed. Unfortunately, the…

There are a flood of emotions going through all of us today as we pass this reconciliation bill which improves upon the bill the President signed 2 days ago. I would like to focus only on one part--a very important part but only one…

First, I thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. This has been a very civil discussion, very heartfelt feelings on both sides, and I appreciate that. Let me also say it is interesting that this is the first time in recent…

I thank the Senator for bringing attention to this issue. He is a true champion for Puerto Rico and a constructive member of the Finance Committee. I share his concern about the possible under count of fee-for-service costs in areas like…

I would like to take a couple moments to speak on two amendments, one offered by, I think, Senator Hatch, with respect to Medicare Advantage. Off the topic, it is important to remember that health care reform will reduce excessive…

I want to remind my colleagues that health care reform extends the solvency of the Medicare trust fund. Whether it is 9 years or 10 years, I am not sure exactly, but the Medicare trust fund is extended for at least that period of time…

I wish to say a few words about how much this underlying legislation helps small business. We hear a lot of claims to the contrary, and I wish to set the record straight. Essentially, small business people in America today spend about 18…

Make no mistake, the intent of every single one of the amendments offered on the other side of the aisle is to kill health care reform. That is the sole purpose of each of those amendments. That was the sole purpose of the amendments in…

I trust in the good faith of the Senator from New Hampshire not to abuse the situation. As I understand it, basically the Senator does not question the professionalism of CBO. Clearly, CBO had all the facts. All Senators have them, all…

The Congressional Budget Office says that the health care reform bill will lower premiums for all--millions--Americans--all. The Congressional Budget Office said health insurance premiums would fall by 14 to 20 percent for the same plan in…

Is it not true that the Congressional Budget Office stated in a letter, dated March 20, commented on the bill in a letter to the Speaker on page 13, where it states: The title as a whole--that is referring to the education title--states…

There is discussion in progress on how to deal with extenders that is ongoing with the majority leader and minority leader. In fact, the minority leader referred to it when he spoke just about a half hour ago. I think it is best to…