Congresswoman Betty McCollum's Statement on the Health Care Cost Reduction Act of 2012 (H.R. 436)

I want the Affordable Care Act to be fully implemented for the benefit of all Americans. I also support a healthy and growing medical device industry in Minnesota and across America. I support eliminating this medical device tax, which should never have been included in the Affordable Care Act. At the same time, I strongly oppose the offset in this bill.

This Tea Party Republican controlled House has voted over and over again to eliminate health reform’s protections and benefits, denying millions of Americans access to life saving care, including medical devices. The Republican goal is to kill healthcare reform; my goal is to strengthen it.

Today, I will vote to send this bill to the Senate where I know a responsible offset can be found that will not hurt any citizen. I know my two Minnesota Senators are committed to repealing this tax and they will work to find an offset that does no harm. Let’s eliminate this tax and strengthen health care for all Americans.