[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 185 (Friday, December 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND VETERANS AFFAIRS AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2016

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                               speech of

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 2015

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, House Democrats did not include the excise 
tax when we approved the House version of ACA--it was added later by 
the Senate. I expressed concern about the impact of this provision from 
day one, and have worked to raise awareness of the problem. I am 
pleased with the provision in the budget calling for a two-year delay 
and voted for the Omnibus bill with this provision.
  When it comes to reigning in health care cost growth, Democrats don't 
take a back seat to anybody. Indeed, that is one of the main aims of 
the healthcare law--one that has already had significant success.
  But this excise tax will shift costs to employers, who, in turn, will 
shift more costs to employees, who will not make up for these costs 
with increased wages.
  We need to use this two year delay to address this excise tax 
completely. In our continued efforts to control health costs, we must 
not harm consumers in the process and must continue to support working 
families.

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