Renee L. Ellmers: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today on the intellectual responsibility of H.R. 9. Back in…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak today on the intellectual responsibility of H.R. 9. Back in my home town of Dunn, I have friends who are pharmacists. They own and run an independent pharmacy started by their father 60 years ago. I'm speaking of Paige Houston and Cathy Blackman. Paige told me the other day that initially in this recession they were missed because people were afraid to go without their medications, and they were willing to pay the money even though the economy was starting to take a turn. Today, things are so bad that people are going without their medications, which as a result is a decrease in the number of customers they have and the amount of revenue coming in. Now their accountant has told them that they have no choice but to cut contributions to their employees' 401(k) plans and their health insurance premiums or be forced to lay off employees. Paige told me this 20 percent tax cut will keep more money in their business, allowing her to maintain benefits for her employees.”