On the recordMarch 2, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I have always looked for opportunities and ways to support our Nation's small businesses. We all know that they are the real job creators in our country. Today, I strongly support repealing the enhanced 1099 tax reporting requirement established under the Affordable Care Act. Businesses across my home State of Rhode Island and the country have made it crystal clear that this is a highly problematic requirement that will result in serious logistical and financial burdens if it is not addressed before next year's implementation. We passed the Affordable Care Act, in part, to ease the burdens of health care costs on small businesses, not to replace them with onerous tax provisions. This is an opportunity for lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation, to come together and fix a problem in the health care reform act that will protect businesses of all sizes. Now, I was proud to vote for the repeal of this provision last year, and was equally disappointed that it did not garner enough votes to pass in either the House or the Senate. It is my sincere hope that Democrats and Republicans will take this opportunity to set aside their differences and agree to repeal this provision in both a fiscally and socially responsible way.
