Some Blue Dogs Threatening to Quash Health Bill Over Surtax Voted for Bush Tax Cuts

[flpoljunkie]

Blue Dogs Threatening To Quash Health Bill Over Surtax Voted For Bush Tax Cuts

Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) — a member of the Blue Dog coalition — is reportedly upset about the health care bill that’s come out of the House, and is banding with seven other Blue Dogs on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to vote down the bill if some changes aren’t made.

Among other things, Ross reportedly objects to the surtaxes included in the bill. “I don’t like the idea of raising taxes in the worst economic crisis since World War II,” he said.

First, the surtax wouldn’t kick in until 2011, and at that point, if we are still “in the worst economic crisis since World War II,” we’ll have far bigger problems to worry about than a tax increase. But more importantly, the Blue Dogs are waxing poetic about the horrors of the surtax, after having voted for the budget busting Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003 that constituted a huge gift to the very wealthiest Americans.

Of the seven Blue Dogs on from Energy and Commerce who are causing a fuss, four were around to vote on Bush’s tax cuts. Here’s how that went:

Member 2001 2003

Rep. Mike Ross (AR) Yes No
Rep. Bart Gordon (TN) Yes No
Rep. Jim Matheson (UT) Yes Yes
Rep. Baron Hill (IN) No No

Remember, the surtax would constitute a 1 percent tax on households making between $350,000 and $500,000 per year, a 1.5 percent tax on those making $500,000 to $1 million, and a 5.4 percent tax on those making more than $1 million. It would have no impact on 98.7 percent of Americans.

But there is that one percent that would be affected, so let’s make some comparisons. Over the ten year window from 2001-2010, the Bush tax cuts gave the richest one percent of Americans about $715 billion in tax breaks. This comes out to about $518,000 per household over ten years or about $51,800 per year.

http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/07/16/blue-dogs-bush-cuts/

[fascisthunter]

1. the upper crust representation in this country has done too much damage

they need to be booted out of government. One citizen, one vote.... that's all.

[dgibby]

2. Meet Mike Ross

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=400345

Posted for your Saturday morning reading pleasure. Enjoy, DUers!

[ChiciB1]

3. SCREW, SCREW, SCREW The Blue Dog Democrats! We've Worked Hard To

give the Democrats ALL THEY wanted, and it seems all they care about is what their District will think if they "go off the ranch!" Backbone? I'm seeing VERY little! And to call it standing up for THEIR principles is a CROCK!!!

I must add one more "thingey" to this discussion! I don't actually like a lot of what I see in the current Health Care situation. I disagree with how much influence the insurance companies are contributing, or perhaps those connected to the INDUSTRY! But maybe it will open the door to some real reform.

My fear is that those in D.C. will just sit back and say "well we DID pass Health Care Reform!" That too would make me all the more upset!

But then, I hardly think MY VOICE carries any weight in these matters anymore!