Johanns 1099 Repeal Measure Has Bipartisan Support
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 3:28PMSen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) reintroduced legislation on Tuesday aimed at repealing a provision of the healthcare law that requires businesses to file paperwork with the IRS on payments to vendors totaling $600 or more.
The legislation, which failed to advance in the Senate in the closing months of the last congressional session, currently has 50 co-sponsors, including Democrats Mark Warner (Va.) and Joe Manchin (W.Va.).
“We’re going to work hard to repair this part that basically is so onerous on the small jobs that people depend on that come from the businesses that would have to be reporting,” the newly-elected Manchin said during a conference call with reporters.
Led by Republicans, the House voted last week to repeal the entire law. While it is unlikely that the Democratically-controlled Senate will allow such a vote to occur, President Obama has signaled that he is open to Congress tweaking certain elements. Johanns said he believes his bill represents an area where both parties can find common ground.
“I think you can vote to get rid of this [provision] and be both a supporter and someone who opposes the health care bill.”
“There’s an awful lot of adjustments that can be made here,” Manchin added. “I think that the Senate will be taking a very good look at repairing a lot of the things that just don’t make sense.”