Political Quotes

“I know we often read that Democrats and Republicans cannot agree. Here is a news flash: We agree on repealing 1099. I have listened to my three distinguished colleagues spend a lot of their time talking about repeal of 1099. We absolutely agree. I have voted six times to do that. That is not an issue. What is an issue, and my distinguished colleague from Nebraska--with whom I have worked with before in passing some important legislation, and I have a great deal of respect for him--talked about a victory for small business. I agree. But I want a total victory for small business, and a total victory for small business is not repealing 1099 and then giving them a bigger tax bill for their employees or raising the cost of insurance for that small business. A real victory is an opportunity to make sure we repeal 1099--my amendment clearly has 1099 repeal going forward--but then does a study that says if small businesses are going to face higher costs or their employees are going to face a $10,000 tax bill, then that part of it should not proceed. If I am wrong, nothing will happen. The study will come. They will say: No, small business is not going to have an increase; no, taxpayers are not going get a surprise tax bill. Then the repeal will have already gone through and there is no foul, no harm. But if I am right, then voting against my amendment is voting for a tax bill for middle- class families, voting to increase insurance on small businesses.…”