Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, applauded the House’s passage of legislation repealing the 2.3 percent tax on medical devices, which was included in President Obama’s health care reform law.

“I’m excited the House passed this bill which will stop a job-crushing tax from being imposed on one of America’s most dynamic industries,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “Despite being the world’s leader for decades, America’s medical device industry has suffered under this Administration’s tax and regulatory policies.  A few months ago, I hosted a ‘Jobs and Innovation Forum’ with medical device CEOs, and one of them said, ‘If the government wanted to kill our industry, they’re doing a great job of it.’  Congress owes it to our job creators to create a better environment for job growth.  Today’s bill – by repealing one of 18 new taxes in the 2010 health care reform law – is a great step in that direction.  The Senate should pass it along with the more than 30 jobs bills the House has passed but the Senate refuses to consider.” 

In the United States, medical technology is directly responsible for employing more than 400,000 people and transporting more than $135 billion in products around the world.  In Washington State alone, more than 8,700 jobs have been created by the medical innovation industry with more than $2 billion in sales. 

Rep. McMorris Rodgers spoke about the importance of today’s legislation at Wednesday’s Republican Leadership press conference.  To watch her remarks, click here.

Last week, the U.S. House approved the FDA Reform Act, which includes the Congresswoman’s bill, theKeeping America Competitive Through Harmonization Act, which streamlines the regulatory process for medical devices.