Hatch Amendment Raises Excise Tax Threshold “For Any State With A Name That Begins With The Letter ‘U’”
Hatch Amendment Raises Excise Tax Threshold “For Any State With A Name That Begins With The Letter ‘U’”
Members of the Senate Finance committee have submitted 534 amendments to Sen. Max Baucus’ (D-MT) health care mark. Democrats introduced several amendments, including provisions re-instating the public insurance option, striking the network of consumer-driven cooperatives, expanding Medicare to Americans aged 54 to 65, and improving affordability standards.
And while Republicans have proposed several compromise amendments, most of their provisions seek to delay the mark-up process and undermine the bill. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), for instance, introduced an amendment (Hatch F7) to “add transition relief for the excise tax on high cost insurance plans for any State with a name the begins with the letter ‘U.’” The amendment would increase the threshold at which high-cost insurance plans could be taxed.
Below are some of the other superfluous amendments introduced by Republicans:
| Amendment/Sponsor | Provision |
| Ensign 409 | Transparency in Czars. |
| Hatch 511 | Prohibits authorized or appropriated federal funds under the Mark from being distributed to or used by ACORN. |
| Ensign 543 | Strike the word “fee” everywhere it appears in the bill and replace with the word “tax.” |
| Roberts 137 | To prevent Medicare payment policies which discourage physicians from fulfilling their Hippocratic Oath to maintain the good of their patients as their highest priority, and instead encourage the rationing of health care. |
| Roberts 144 | To ensure that if people like the hometown hospital they have, they can keep it. |
Hatch rationalizes his amendment by explaining that “the transition relief provided in the Chairman’s mark for the 17 states with the least affordable health care is obviously arbitrary and unfair. What about the 18th state? This amendment would add further transition relief in another, but no less arbitrary way to certain states.”
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gop has got to slow this train down. That’s thier job.
It will hurt Americans and in the long run it will hurt the gop, no matter the outcome now. They have fought it and it will be held against them.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pmWhat the –
Look, if you want to specify a certain state, just earmark it. There’s no need to play these stupid games. Legislation should not be designed to insult the intelligence of America.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pmBoy, it’s almost as if they have no interest in finding common ground at all…
September 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pmNothing says true bipartisan effort like “add transition relief for the excise tax on high cost insurance plans for any State with a name the begins with the letter ‘U.’”
September 21st, 2009 at 4:39 pmOkay, Republicans — we get it. You find legislating silly and a waste of your time when you’re in the minority. You really don’t need to belabor the point.
Fine. how ’bout you guys just stand aside then and let the adults do their work?
September 21st, 2009 at 4:41 pm“add transition relief for the excise tax on high cost insurance plans for any State with a name the begins with the letter ‘U.’”
– - Hatch plans on introducing the bill on any day of the week that doesn’t end in “day.”
September 21st, 2009 at 4:42 pmMy state begins with a double ‘u’… (Washington)
… can we in Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Washington expect to receive double the excise tax relief?
That’s really no less ‘arbitrary’ or ’stupid’ is it, Sen. Hatch?
September 21st, 2009 at 4:43 pmNo matter how I read 137 it still proposes the rationing of healthcare. Does this Roberts fellow even know what was written – or was it done that way on purpose?
September 21st, 2009 at 4:43 pmSen. Oral Snatch (Idiot-Utah) has always been a hateful, stupid, mormon as$h0le. He’s not going to stop now.
Oh wait, I spelled moron wrong.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pmI heard Sen. Vitter proposed striking the word “prostitute” everywhere it appears in the bill and replacing it with “mommy”. Likewise with the word “diaper”, replacing it with “poopypants”.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pmThere are two states in the union with only four letters in them. One has decided to join the 21st century in spite of having Grassley for a senator.
The other is the number one online porn consumer for the US and has a senior senator who needs a big four wheel drive tractor and some logging chain to get his head out of his butt.
States that start with U.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:46 pmMy state begins with a double ‘u’…
Do Republicans recognize stuttering?
September 21st, 2009 at 4:48 pmDear Sen. Hatch-
September 21st, 2009 at 4:50 pmThere’s no ‘U’ in compromise…
I like Sen. Ensign’s proposal 409: “transparency in czars”.
Although if we really have that capability, I’d rather se it used in our intelligence services and not wasted on “czars”.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:53 pmOrrin is Hatched!
Phuck U, Orrin…
September 21st, 2009 at 4:54 pmThis is the most heartening news I have heard in some time. The R’s are going to try and load this bill with as much pork and silly shyte as they can. They are terrified. They have shot their wad and are down to this sort of crap.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pmi wholeheartedly support hatch’s proposal as long as we triple the excise tax on anyone who is part of a religion which begins with a “m”
September 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pmWhat if we end up annexing Uruguay? Or perhaps Upper Michigan secedes to become its own state?
This calls for a new Jeopardy category: “States that end in ‘TAH’”.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pmcan someone please contact the hooker who changed vitter’s diaper? apparently, hatch has a hot one in his pants
September 21st, 2009 at 4:57 pm3. Bellacifer laca,
Almost ? I’d say they’ve gone whole hog.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:57 pmHoodathunk says:
There are two states in the union with only four letters in them.
Have you been using Limbaugh’s fact checkers? Iowa, Ohio and Utah have four letters but Ohio uses ‘o’ twice. Hawaii uses four letters using the ‘i’ twice. A few more use only four letters with repeated letters. (Sorry Hoodathunk, I couldn’t resist!)
September 21st, 2009 at 4:57 pmI doubt that most of the Republican amendments will be seriously considered. There will be some changes to appease some of the Republicans even though they will not vote for the bill. The bill will undergo structural changes after Reid talks to all the Dems and can get a compromise that is acceptable to enough Dems to vote for the bill. This compromise will also include some of the changes the two senators from Maine. You can expect to see the Republicans to filibuster, Dems invoke clouture with all Dems and one or two Republicans, and slightly more than 50 votes to approve.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:58 pmIt sounds like the Republicans are trying to add everything to the bill that they have been criticizing it for. Simply put: just because the Democrats did not and would not add all the negative things they have been lying about, it doesn’t mean the republicans can’t. If those amendments stick, then those republicans would turn around and say “look, see the bill actually does contain so and so language” yet not tell those who are afraid that it was them who introduced the language/amendments.
September 21st, 2009 at 4:59 pmI see the Rs are taking this whole process “seriously.”
September 21st, 2009 at 4:59 pmCrap, livelongandprosper, I missed Ohio. Home of the Boner?
September 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm“…expanding Medicare to Americans aged 54 to 65.”
If I could pay the same in premiums to Medicare that I pay now, I bet they could make it solvent and improve the coverage. If they let in younger people, it might even make money. All it would cost is no more than you’re paying now, but without the “Gotcha” clauses in the contract your employer allows them to foist upon you.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pmNice to see them demonstrate so publicly and blatantly that they’re simply not being serious.
Cheers,
September 21st, 2009 at 5:02 pmI like the ammendment that says all crazy assed religions that survive on or utilize donations will be taxed on said donations.
Oh, there isn’t an ammendment for this?
September 21st, 2009 at 5:03 pmThey are JUST freak’n NUTZO!
And don’t forget…
Hatch = The “Valley of the Dolls” book waver
Ensign = Can’t Keep It In His Pants
I think that the above speaks for itself.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pmGuarantee you….any complaints people may have about ANY of the health care reforms bills are most likely against republican amendments to the bill.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pmAnd this bastard was suppose to be a friend of Teddy Kennedy.
Never ever trust Republicans. Bunch of weasels.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:06 pmOrly Taitz is in hot water with a judge for making frivolous lawsuits. Isnt there something rthioal rule against frivolous provision making?
September 21st, 2009 at 5:07 pmOrrin hatched an egg. Hear Orrin squawk. Squawk, Orrin, squawk.
Stay tuned for many more childish tales courtesy of the Republican Party. It’s all fun & games to them.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:08 pmHatch, that’s not arbitrary. That’s only your state. Utah. The only state that starts with U. That would be like me adding an amendment for states that end in “tucky” and claiming that instead of being an earmark for Kentucky, it’s actually an arbitrary factor. Clearly it’s not. Its you trying to bring home some extra bacon for your own state.
Secondly, there is nothing arbitrary about providing additional relief to the states that have the least affordable health care. The purpose of this bill is to make sure people can afford some for of health insurance. To give additional relief to those who have the most trouble affording it is precisely the point, you doofus.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:12 pmoily taint ought to be in trouble with a judge for approaching the bench looking like a methed out dollar-store drag queen.
just sayin’…
September 21st, 2009 at 5:13 pmSo, where’s the amendment stating that after graham crackers and milk are served, all members of Congress must put their heads down on their desks and take a nap every afternoon at 2pm…?
Or perhaps, even better, where’s the amendment that states that “no member of Congress whose party affiliation starts with “R” shall be allowed to add an amendment”…?
September 21st, 2009 at 5:14 pmHoodathunk says:
There are two states in the union with only four letters in them. One has decided to join the 21st century in spite of having Grassley for a senator.
Iowa
Utah
Ohio.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:14 pmBozo, I don’t normally support criticisms based on one’s physical appearance but… in Orly’s case I think they’re justified.
I mean, since she has agreed to fill a cartoon role in public debate, at least she’s had the good sense to also look the part.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:15 pmThere appears to be a random down voter. Nothing says I stand behind the republican ideals like anonymously voting down posts.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:15 pm***
“Ensign”?
what, he forgot to include the
“family values” tax rebate package?
**
the pimp dog.
:|
September 21st, 2009 at 5:15 pmto bad they dont have a recall from office so people can get rid of thses jackoff repucks.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:17 pmSlightly O/T, but Mississippi is the longest state name using only four letters (repeatedly). We got that, and Elvis.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:17 pmU? as in Ugly?
September 21st, 2009 at 5:20 pmThen lots of states, mostly in the south would benefit from this.
This comment has been voted down. Click to read.
He’s a US Senator? And he is proposing an provision that is unconstitutional on face value? Has he ever heard of the 14th Amendment?
September 21st, 2009 at 5:29 pmI’m amused that you think this is what your representative is doing and you are ok with that. Sad.
No wonder the reps are dead.
bye the way. Dems believe in paying for the things we want.
What is your plan? Oh yeah, borrow, borrow, borrow. The deficits don’t matter.
More reason you are in our rear view mirror.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:33 pmKenneth says:
You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!
September 21st, 2009 at 5:28 pm
And you can’t have two on-going wars while cutting taxes on those who can most afford to pay them.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:34 pmKenneth amply demonstrates the right-winger’s tin ear for anything approaching linguistic subtlety.
Thanks for that, Kenneth.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:35 pmKenneth says:
You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!
September 21st, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Oh, but Kenneth… I’m sure you would looks so good with my shoes!
Darn it!
September 21st, 2009 at 5:46 pmPeople are dying without health insurance. Keep heckling a$$holes.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:53 pmwhat a world we are living in . we need to think about each other with kindness. it is a good thing to help the poor.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:56 pmSometimes the most beautiful language is the simplest. Thank you, grandma nancy.
September 21st, 2009 at 5:59 pmActually you can. Someone came up with the idea of drying pig’s ears as dog treats. They now sell them in every pet store in the country. That buys a hella lotta silk purses. Welcome to capitalism comrade.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:11 pmLevi, we used to give our dogs pig ears as a treat, but they were so greasy and they freaked out my wife so much that we stopped that practice. Now the dogs get chicken jerky.
Still, I admire the resourcefulness of turning pig’s ears into a profitable commodity.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:15 pmIs it wrong of me to be suspicious of “grandma nancy?”
September 21st, 2009 at 6:18 pm** ** **
grandpa orrin says,
“kill ‘em all and let god sort them out!”
*
September 21st, 2009 at 6:19 pmAn American dies every 12 minutes because of a lack of access to affordable healthcare, and these SOB’s make petty, spoiled brat amendments to a bill that might help lower that disgraceful number.
And then they won’t vote for it anyway!
At what point does this nonsense reach the level of criminal negligence?
September 21st, 2009 at 6:24 pmZoo, you have an expert troll-hunter sense and you may be right.
I thought about it and decided to trust grandma nancy. We will see if she if genuine or not.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:26 pmRepublicans == not really very serious about governing
September 21st, 2009 at 6:34 pmgrandma nancy reads like a backup test question.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:38 pmWouldn’t it be refreshing if, instead of proposing this stupid amendment, he proposed a possible solution to a problem he sees with the bill. I am already asking too much, but an explanation of why his solutions would solve a problem (any problem) – supported with facts – would be shocking.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:44 pmMedicare from 54 and up sounds good to this old fart :)
September 21st, 2009 at 6:53 pmExitStageLeft, it sounds good AND necessary. Try getting a reasonable plan in the private marketplace if you’re between 55 and 64. Just try it. It’s impossible. Our family plan for four people was just raised to over $1700 a month not counting out of pocket expenses which are considerable. That’s more than most people pay for rent or mortgage.
September 21st, 2009 at 6:56 pmBoring and predictable.This again demostates the lack of seriousness on the part of Hatch and others.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:09 pmesl #62-I have Medicare—-You can’t beat it.I pay about $100/mo.I also pay for a supplemental policy to cover the 20% that Medicare doesn’t cover.I would gladly pay more so that my children and grandchildren are covered.Why is it that the repubs. and some dems.don’t mind spending blood and treasure in Iraq and Afganistan and not here?
September 21st, 2009 at 7:19 pm‘Strike the word “fee” everywhere it appears in the bill and replace with the word “tax.”’ Ha! Calls Tim Pawlenty out on all of his shenanigans, What goes around, comes around….
September 21st, 2009 at 7:25 pm“No, but—but, George, you—you can’t just make up that language and decide that that’s called a tax increase.”
September 21st, 2009 at 7:28 pmYou’re welcome.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:33 pmAlejandro says:
You paid for Medicare by yourself?
September 21st, 2009 at 7:39 pmbelaccifer lacca, no you helped too.
And if you tried to not pay, the men with the guns have a place for you.
It’s called democracy.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:46 pmYeah, I just wondered why you were taking personal credit… it seems like a smart use of our tax dollars to me to see that all our citizens stay healthy and productive.
Hopefully, democracy will expand it.
BTW, ‘Men with Guns’ is a great movie but a pretty bad description of the IRS, imho.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:49 pmWell, Belac, at least Alejandro is finally coming to terms with who he really is — linking to an anti-Obama opinion piece in the WSJ, for example.
Yep. Finally willing to be public about his wingnuttery. Congrats, Alejandro. It’s a big step but one that I’m sure will lead to more comfort with your own identity.
September 21st, 2009 at 7:54 pmWhat??? You mean Ensign hasn’t resigned yet? I guess his parents can’t bail him out of his obvious stupidity. “Transparency in Czars.” What an idiot.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:43 pmA#68–Gee,I should have thanked you A.BTW, have you received thanks from Haliburton ,Chaney,et.al.for the contributions that we’ve made to them?Also,I would gladly contibute more to the govt.so that you could receive Medicare.Just think,we could get out of Iraq,Afganistan,and cancel the F-35 fighter and pay for health care and still reduce taxes.I wonder why the crowds haven’t been protesting for that
September 21st, 2009 at 9:50 pmHey Ralph. I love your uncyclopedia page. I haven’t laugh that hard in a while.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:55 pmAlejandro#62 You know,I was 37 in 1965 when Medicare was enacted.Until your post ,it never occurred to me to ask Medicare recipients to thank me.I simply assumed that this is what people wanted and my wife and I contibuted through taxes. We don’t have kids in school but we pay school taxes–citizens did it for me and for my children and now it’s my turn.You can include socal security also.It’s just what we do.That’s just the way I see it.You probably feel differently.C’est la vie.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:23 pmRe: hoodathunk @ 11:
Not to nitpick, but there are _3_.
Iowa, Ohio, and Utah.
September 21st, 2009 at 11:52 pmDemocrats introduced several amendments, including provisions re-instating the public insurance option. burun estetigi
September 28th, 2009 at 11:00 am