So much for the Republicans' rhetoric about helping those job-creatin' small businesses. In the middle of the
back and forth on the big kahuna of tax issues—whether and for whom to extend the Bush tax cuts—the Senate had two small business tax incentive bills on the floor today, both of which failed.
One was a vote on the bill introduced by Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and passed in the House, disguised as a small business bill, that set the bar for "small" business so high, NFL and NASCAR teams—not to mention Paris Hilton Entertainment, Inc.—would have qualified, just for being in business. That one was laughable enough that a bunch of Republicans voted against it, and it failed 73-24.
The other bill, however, tries to do two things: provide tax relief to small businesses, and create jobs. The idea is giving tax credits to small (truly small) businesses who hire new staff. The Republicans apparently had a problem with the idea that businesses have to do anything at all in order to earn a tax credit, and filibustered it down 53 to 44.
An aide for the Senate Democrats sent this statement from Reid:
“The legislation Republicans blocked was a common-sense proposal that provided small businesses with two tax cuts designed to create jobs. Under our proposal, small businesses would have received a 10 percent tax cut on the amount by which they increase their payrolls this calendar year. And to help them expand, small businesses would have been allowed to write off 100 percent of the cost of any major equipment or software they purchase.
“Unfortunately, Republicans played their usual games of obstruction and opposition. [...]
“Senator McConnell made it clear that his ‘single most important’ goal is defeating President Obama. It’s sad that the middle class has to suffer in order for Republicans to achieve their political aims.”
Between
expensive, time-wasting Affordable Care Act repeal votes in the House and filibusters in the Senate, Republicans are on tap to deliver the worst, least productive legislative session in history. And they're proud of it!