WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN) has renewed efforts to repeal the medical device tax.
The tax was introduced as part of President Obama’s healthcare bill, calls for 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device sales.
In a press release sent out Tuesday, Paulsen explained:
“One of the best ways to protect American manufacturing, spur innovation, and make sure the latest and best medical technology is affordable for patients is to repeal this burdensome tax. We are already seeing new American jobs and increased investment in research and development as a result of the temporary suspension of this tax. With over 200 co-sponsors at the start of this new session, and with overwhelming bipartisan support in the past, permanent repeal should be a top priority for Congress.”
Back in 2015, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined Paulsen in a bipartisan effort to repeal the medical device tax. Klobuchar’s office did not return the request for comment.
Looking back at a press release from December of 2015 Klobuchar states:
“I opposed the medical device tax from the start and have led Senate efforts with Sen. Hatch to repeal it because of its impact on manufacturing and innovation in Minnesota and across our country.” After a lot of hard work, Democrats and Republicans came together today to suspend this harmful tax for two years. I will continue working with Rep. Paulsen and my colleagues in the Senate to end this tax permanently. Doing so will improve patients’ lives, create well-paying jobs and give Minnesota businesses the certainty and stability needed to keep researching, inventing and developing the next lifesaving medical breakthrough.”
While lawmakers on Capitol Hill were unable to fully repeal the tax in 2015, they were able to suspend it for two years. The tax will be reinstated on January 1, 2018.
Alpha News reached out to Klobuchar’s office for comment on whether she would join Paulsen in his renewed efforts to repeal the medical device tax.
The medical device tax has impacted many companies around the country. Minnesota is home to more than 700 medical device companies.