[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 21521]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        STOP THE INNOVATION TAX

  (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, as we continue the debate on health care, 
we must remain cognizant of the impact on both jobs and health care 
innovation.
  That's why I strongly oppose the new $40 billion innovation tax on 
the medical device industry that's being proposed in the Senate. 
Minnesota, and the Third Congressional District in particular, is home 
to many of the top medical device manufacturers responsible for life-
saving technologies. Hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs in 
the medical technology field also call Minnesota home.
  I visited and I have met with many of these entrepreneurs. They are 
hard working. They are employers that provide tens of thousands of 
good-paying jobs for Minnesotans. Moreover, these medical breakthroughs 
save money, and they improve the quality of care.
  A massive new tax increase will stifle job growth. It will stifle 
innovation, and it will ultimately harm quality health care. I strongly 
urge the Senate, the President, and my colleagues to oppose this 
misguided new tax.

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