The non-binding 2014 Budget Resolution in the Senate represents the first Senate vote on the repealof the medical device excise tax and is an important expression of the Senate’s support for addressing the issue.
The Senate voted overwhelmingly 79 to 20 in favor of the amendment.
The Fiscal 2014 Budget Resolution outlines the Senate’s policy priorities along with spending and revenue targets for the year, and now it includes a bipartisan amendment that calls for repealing the device tax, linking that repeal to the creation of a deficit-neutral reserve fund. Although the amendment is not binding, it provides a guide for Senate passage of the full Budget Resolution soon.
“Bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate have now voted to repeal the device tax. The reasons behind mounting support to repeal the tax are clear: Across the country, this tax is cutting high-quality jobs and investments in tomorrow’s treatments and cures at companies large and small. We encourage leaders in Congress and the Administration to seize on this momentum and act to repeal this harmful tax,” said Stephen J. Ubl, President and CEO of AdvaMed.
The bipartisan amendment was introduced by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), with co-sponsorship from twenty-one Senators, including Al Franken (D-MN), Pat Toomey (R-PA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Richard Burr (R-NC), Robert Casey (D-PA), Dan Coats (R-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), William Cowan (D-MA), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kay Hagan (D-NC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rob Portman (R-OH), James Risch (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Thune (R-SD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Roger Wicker (R-MS). (Source: AdvaMEd)
To view the full Senate Roll Call including “Aye” votes from United States Senators Jeff Flake and John McCain, please click here.
U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 113thCongress – 1stSession as compiled through Senate LIS by the Senate Bill Clerk under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate
| Question: On the Amendment(Hatch Amdt. No. 297 ) | |||
| Vote Number: | 47 | Vote Date: | March 21, 2013, 08:52 PM |
| Required For Majority: | 1/2 | Vote Result: | Amendment Agreed to |
| Amendment Number: | S.Amdt. 297 to S.Con.Res. 8 (No short title on file) | ||
| Statement of Purpose: | To promote innovation, preserve high-paying jobs, and encourage economic growth for manufacturers of lifesaving medical devices and cutting edge medical therapies. | ||
| Vote Counts: | YEAs | 79 |
| NAYs | 20 | |
| Not Voting | 1 |
| Vote Summary | By Senator Name | By Vote Position | By Home State |
Source: Thomas.gov
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