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Ensign Blasts Democrat Healthcare Bill
For New Taxes On Americans
Ensign highlights seven new taxes in bill on floor of Senate
November 18, 2009 – Washington, DC – Senator John Ensign today made remarks on the floor of the Senate regarding the seven new taxes included in the Democrats’ healthcare reform bill that came out of the Senate Finance Committee. Excerpts of the floor speech follow:
[Read full floor speech]
“Mr. President, one of the hallmarks of the Democrats’ healthcare bill is that it spends a tremendous amount of money—more than a trillion dollars. That’s a hefty price tag, and most Americans want to know who is paying for this. Contrary to what Democrats want you to believe, this bill will be paid for by all Americans—including low- and middle-income families and small business owners.
“And so, for the next week, I want taxpayers, as they go about their daily activities, to take a moment to understand why they will be paying a new tax for each day of their hardworking week.
NEW TAX #1:
“Monday is usually not a favorite day of the week—and if this healthcare reform passes, it will be an absolutely miserable day for families that make less than $200,000. That’s because 91% of you will start off the week paying a $200 billion tax on health insurance.
NEW TAX #2:
“On Tuesday, as you’re getting your kids off to school, don’t forget that you’ll be paying higher insurance premiums because of a new tax on insurance companies.
NEW TAX #3:
“On Wednesday, our small businesses, the engine of our economy, will be taxed if they don’t offer health insurance. The employer tax will hit small businesses and make it more expensive to hire workers.
NEW TAX #4:
“Hope you didn’t have to call in sick on Thursday because if you go to a doctor and get a prescription, there is a new tax on pharmaceutical companies that you will pay.
NEW TAX #5:
“The weekend is so near on Friday, but wait, if you need some lab work done, you will have to pay a new tax on clinical laboratories.
NEW TAX #6:
“And you think your work week is over on Saturday, but you’re still paying more taxes. If you need surgery, there is a new tax on medical devices such as pacemakers, prosthetics, and hearing aids.
NEW TAX #7:
“And now it’s Sunday. Historically a day of rest. But not for new taxes. There is one more tax that again falls squarely on lower and middle-income families—a penalty excise tax for failure to obtain insurance. We are faced with a bill where, according to the CBO, at least 71 percent of the individual mandate penalties would fall on the backs of American families earning less than $120,000.
ENSIGN AND REPUBLICANS TRYING TO STOP TAXES:
“In Committee, my colleagues and I tried to inject some limits to this tax-mania. We offered an amendment to carve out lower and middle-income families from paying these taxes, and I offered an amendment to protect the middle class specifically from the onerous penalty excise tax for those who fail to obtain insurance. Unfortunately, Democrats firmly voted both down.
“I offered an amendment to eliminate the growing threat that the 40% insurance tax posed to every American with insurance, but Democrats voted it down.
“We offered amendments to strike some of these specific heavy-handed new taxes, but Democrats voted them down.
“We tried to apply limitations so that these taxes would not go into effect if they caused consumer costs to rise. Democrats voted them down.
“We tried to prevent these new taxes from hurting veterans, but Democrats first accepted it and then passed a second amendment to eliminate the protection.
“We tried to ensure that vulnerable Americans would not be hit with a tax increase on catastrophic medical costs. Again, Democrats voted it down.
“And after losing every attempt to remove these onerous new taxes, we tried to preserve the ability of Americans to continue to use their flexible spending accounts. Democrats would not allow that either and voted it down.
CONCLUSION:
“On behalf of the millions of workers, families, and small businesses who sent us to Washington to be their voice, I cannot stand by and watch the Democrats destroy our chance for meaningful healthcare reform that does not bankrupt our nation.
“I will do everything in my power to stop these new taxes from becoming a reality. And I am confident that, as more Americans learn about these taxes, they will feel the same way.”
Ensign Amendment To Honor Parents Of Soldiers Killed In Combat Passes Senate
November 17, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – Senator John Ensign’s amendment to expand access for Gold Star parents to Veterans Affairs Nursing Homes was included in a VA appropriations bill that passed the Senate today. Ensign’s amendment will provide Gold Star parents with access to VA Nursing Homes even if they have not lost all of their children in combat.
“Our servicemen and -women make the ultimate sacrifice when they give their life for our country,” said Ensign. “However, Gold Star parents pay the ultimate price when they lose their child for the sake of our country and they are owed a great honor. Current policy requires that these parents must face this loss for every one of their children before they gain admittance to VA Nursing Homes. My legislation will help correct this injustice because one loss is more than should be required to receive VA Nursing Home care for Gold Star parents.”
Currently, Gold Star parents may receive care in a VA home only if they have lost all of their children in service to our country. This matter was brought to Senator Ensign’s attention by the Nevada Office of Veterans’ Services and the National Association of State Veterans’ Homes because they are currently in a situation where they must deny admission to Gold Star parents if they have any surviving children.
Saluting Our Veterans And Honoring Our Heroes
November 11, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – Senator John Ensign today released the following statement in honor of our nation’s veterans:
“It is with great respect and sincere admiration that I thank our nation’s veterans on this very special day. You are the men and women who throughout our history have stood up to defend freedom, protect our citizens, and fight for a cause bigger than yourselves. You are heroes.
“I would encourage all Americans to join me in thanking our veterans for keeping America the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
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