Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the bill before us today. Sadly, we find ourselves in another redundant and unproductive debate over the Affordable Care Act. The estimated cost of today's vote is over $1 million, paid by hardworking taxpayers. But instead of focusing on jobs and economic growth, we're wasting time and money on denying health coverage to small businesses and their employees.

Not even half of the appropriations bills have been passed, and yet, Republicans continue their attempt to undermine health reform. This obsession must end. It is time to move on and start tackling the challenges the American people care about--jobs, jobs, jobs, the economy.

Blocking the IRS from implementing provisions of the Affordable Care Act does nothing to help our Nation's small businesses. Rather, today's bill will keep small employers from taking advantage of the small business health care tax credit, which has already helped over 360,000 small employers and 2 million workers.

This bill prevents these businesses from utilizing the 50 percent tax credit in the new SHOP exchanges next year. That is why today's vote is irresponsible and out of touch with American firms.

We must continue to ensure quality health coverage is available and utilized by the businesses that are the cornerstone of the American economy.

I urge Members to vote ``no.''

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