Last Thursday House democrats unveiled their updated healthcare plan H.R. 3962. This legislation will eliminate private healthcare insurance will still tax businesses and individuals who choose not to participate will cut Medicare Advantage by more than $150 billion and does not address tort reform.
Furthermore it will increase the number of Americans who are on entitlement programs and breaks President Obamas promise of no tax on the middle class."
Additionally one of the administrations main goals of healthcare reform is to cut costs; however the non-partisan CBO estimates that the healthcare reform bill will increase costs.
Unfortunately there is little in the 1990 page bill that appears to be substantially different from the healthcare plan released in July H.R. 3200.
Since July I have been a co-sponor of H.R. 3218 the Improving Healthcare for All Americans Act. I will continue to stand up for reforms that narrowly address whats broken without scrapping the best healthcare system in the world and placing unneeded financial burdens on families and businesses.
For instance please see my floor speech from last week.
Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009
Last Wednesday the Foreign Affairs Committee agreed to H.R. 2194 by a voice vote. This bill seeks to increase sanctions related to Irans production and export of refined petroleum.
However what we need to ensure the sanctions are actually enforced.
I implore the President and the administration to reflect upon whether they are willing to act upon the sanctions provided in this legislation. If the administration is unwilling to enforce the sanctions that will help ensure a nuclear free Iran we run the risk of becoming nothing but a paper tiger.
Please see video from my discussion during the Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.
Small Business Financing & Investment Act of 2009
Last Thursday the House passed and I voted for H.R. 3854 the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009. I voted for this bill because it will enhance programs and opportunities for small businesses. H.R. 3854 makes permanent a pilot program that allows rural businesses to receive 7(a) loans of up to $250000. Additionally this legislation will solidify the veteran participation program.
Under this bill 90 of loans to veteran-owned small businesses will be guaranteed and will also abolish fees for borrowers and lenders involved with the program. Additionally this bill authorizes the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program providing $5 billion in loans for FY 10 to help facilitate growth development and modernization of qualifying small businesses. The SBIC will also improve upon the diaster loan program.
Department of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2010
Last Thursday the House Passed the H.R. 2996 Conference Report. I voted against this bill because it increases discretionary funding by $4.6 billion dollars or 17 above FY 09.
Furthermore many of the federal agencies that will receive funds from it have already received an additional $7.2 billion this year through the stimulus bill.
The Environmental Protection Agency receives the greatest boost in funding a 35 increase.
Last Thursday House democrats unveiled their updated healthcare plan H.R. 3962. This legislation will eliminate private healthcare insurance will still tax businesses and individuals who choose not to participate will cut Medicare Advantage by more than $150 billion and does not address tort reform.
Furthermore it will increase the number of Americans who are on entitlement programs and breaks President Obamas promise of no tax on the middle class."
Additionally one of the administrations main goals of healthcare reform is to cut costs; however the non-partisan CBO estimates that the healthcare reform bill will increase costs.
Unfortunately there is little in the 1990 page bill that appears to be substantially different from the healthcare plan released in July H.R. 3200.
Since July I have been a co-sponor of H.R. 3218 the Improving Healthcare for All Americans Act. I will continue to stand up for reforms that narrowly address whats broken without scrapping the best healthcare system in the world and placing unneeded financial burdens on families and businesses.
For instance please see my floor speech from last week.
Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of 2009
Last Wednesday the Foreign Affairs Committee agreed to H.R. 2194 by a voice vote. This bill seeks to increase sanctions related to Irans production and export of refined petroleum.
However what we need to ensure the sanctions are actually enforced.
I implore the President and the administration to reflect upon whether they are willing to act upon the sanctions provided in this legislation. If the administration is unwilling to enforce the sanctions that will help ensure a nuclear free Iran we run the risk of becoming nothing but a paper tiger.
Please see video from my discussion during the Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.
Small Business Financing & Investment Act of 2009
Last Thursday the House passed and I voted for H.R. 3854 the Small Business Financing and Investment Act of 2009. I voted for this bill because it will enhance programs and opportunities for small businesses. H.R. 3854 makes permanent a pilot program that allows rural businesses to receive 7(a) loans of up to $250000. Additionally this legislation will solidify the veteran participation program.
Under this bill 90 of loans to veteran-owned small businesses will be guaranteed and will also abolish fees for borrowers and lenders involved with the program. Additionally this bill authorizes the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program providing $5 billion in loans for FY 10 to help facilitate growth development and modernization of qualifying small businesses. The SBIC will also improve upon the diaster loan program.
Department of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2010
Last Thursday the House Passed the H.R. 2996 Conference Report. I voted against this bill because it increases discretionary funding by $4.6 billion dollars or 17 above FY 09.
Furthermore many of the federal agencies that will receive funds from it have already received an additional $7.2 billion this year through the stimulus bill.
The Environmental Protection Agency receives the greatest boost in funding a 35 increase.
