Posted by John Romano in News and Analysis on November 6, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. (YBH.ME) – Michigan Republican Congressman Dave Camp, the ranking member on the House Ways and Means Committee, released a letter today from the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) in regard to penalties for non-compliance with H.R. 3962. H.R. 3962 is the name of a bill that is commonly known as the “Pelosi Health Care Bill” that is currently before Congress.
Dave Camp protests Pelosi's health care bill.
Excerpts from the JCT letter:
“H.R. 3962 provides that an individual (or a husband and wife in the case of a joint return) who does not, at any time during the taxable year, maintain acceptable health insurance coverage for himself or herself and each of his or her qualifying children is subject to an additional tax.” [page 1]
“If the government determines that the taxpayer’s unpaid tax liability results from willful behavior, the following penalties could apply…” [page 2]
“Prosecution is authorized under the Code for a variety of offenses. Depending on the level of the noncompliance, the following penalties could apply to an individual:
- Section 7203 – misdemeanor willful failure to pay is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
- Section 7201 – felony willful evasion is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years.” [page 3]
While it is a step or two removed from not buying health insurance, non-compliance could lead to prison time. The Senate struck similar measures from their health care bill after the public and Republicans protested.
Afterward, Camp was quoted as saying, “The Senate Finance Committee had the good sense to eliminate the extreme penalty of incarceration. Speaker Pelosi’s decision to leave in the jail time provision is a threat to every family who cannot afford the $15,000 premium her plan creates.”
Mr. Camp used the $15,000 figure based on the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office’s estimate that the lowest non-group family plan under the Pelosi bill will be $15,000 per year by the year 2016. The Pelosi bill is expected to be voted on this weekend, outside of the normal media cycle. As of this reporting, media outlets are stating that Ms. Pelosi may not have the votes needed to pass the bill in its current form.
#1 by John on November 7, 2009 - 5:24 am
This is what happens when a party is overtaken by the wolf's of liberalism, Marxist thinking interest invade and claim to be republicans when in reality they only used the disguise to get voted in and destroy a conservative base that once had power in this nation. It is time to stop the charade, expose the rats in the house and take back our conservative party and our nation that stood as pillar and example of greatness to a world that had little to look to. This year in 2010 we must band together, vote out the incumbents and restore the party to it conservative core values or we as a nation shall be lost in the annals of history.
#2 by Sue on November 7, 2009 - 2:28 pm
Dave Camp is from Michigan
#3 by lecllc1157 on November 7, 2009 - 2:34 pm
A person could face a $250,000 fine, and/or 5 years in jail?
In today's economy, where millions are out of work, can barely keep food on their table, and a roof over their heads, purchasing health insurance is the last thing on their priority list.
I'm fortunate enough to be employed full time, and working a second job. I have health insurance from my primary employer. My boyfriend has been out of work and without health insurance for over 3 years now, due to the downturn in the economy. He's a "Master Custom Cabinet Maker" by trade, specializes in high end finish work, and can't find work because people can't afford to work on their homes. He's been disabled by a fall on ice back in 2000 resulting in a blown out knee joint, followed by major stomach surgery for a bowl blow-out in 2002.
I'm supporting the two of us on my 10% reduced salary down from $32,510 last year. I've sustained a salary freeze for at least the 2009 calendar year, and I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't continue through 2010 as well. I work a second job, and have experienced a 25% cut in hours at that job, so I've been hit in the pocket from both employers. How much is one person supposed to endure? When I took my primary job 11 years ago, I was forced to take a 32% cut in pay from my previous job, and have to this day, not gotten back to my previous pay rate.
The cost of living continues to rise, and pay scales are either frozen, or reduced because of the worldwide financial crisis.
Banks and Financial firms are being bailed out, but the general public is forced to endure more and more hardships, many of them brought on by the actions or lack of action by the Senate and Congress.
If a person is jailed, at least they'll have 3 squares a day, and a roof over their heads, but where does that leave the rest of their family? Spouses can both be jailed, so where does that leave their kids? In Family court, under State care, and costing the government even more money?
The government bailed out the large firms, only to have them hand out huge bonuses?? Something has to give, and it shouldn't fall on those of us who can least afford to pay.
The Senate and Congress should stand up for their constituents, and do the right thing, change this bill, or reject it outright.
#4 by Big_Bear on November 7, 2009 - 8:55 pm
If Piglousy's policies tear apart families, then anything that happens to that wicked witch's family is karma.
#5 by m... on November 7, 2009 - 7:14 pm
when bush got elected first time some of us moved to canada.
when he got elected 2dx a lot more of us moved away from the states.
are we going to wait to move to canada until it's becoma a law?
or we could just leave now?
what country would you move to if you got fed up enough?
#6 by Chuck F Todd on November 7, 2009 - 11:38 pm
You can choose to not own a car sir.
#7 by Matt on November 8, 2009 - 8:44 am
what you are saying is that you have no right to own your property.
#8 by Jacob on November 11, 2009 - 11:44 pm
Yeah, if you choose to not have a job or any friends. Don't pretend like cars aren't an essential part of how our country operates.
#9 by Jacob on November 11, 2009 - 11:46 pm
Also, funny, I don't remember choosing to be male and, despite my absolute lack of accidents, I pay double what my girlfriend pays. She gets full, maxed out comprehensive coverage on her '01 WV and I get minimum liability on my '99 Taurus.
#10 by Patriot on November 8, 2009 - 6:06 pm
I have no intention of complying with this bill if it becomes law. If this bill becomes law I hope the Supreme Court will have enough sense to over turn it. I expect there will be lawsuits filed the day Obama signs it, and I have a hard time believing that the Supreme Court would ever uphold this bill. Even liberal Constitutional scholars are saying the individual mandate is clearly outside the bounds of Congressional power.
But if this bill is upheld as the law of the land, I will refuse to comply with it. I will also refuse to sit in jail because of it. More than likely that means I will eventually have no choice but to resort to violent and lethal force to try and defend my life and my liberties. I know full well that using force against any Federal agent will be signing my own death warrant. But I would rather die than be a slave.
I really, truly hope it does not come to such a nightmare conclusion. But I am sick and tired of my government tearing apart my Constitutionally guaranteed liberties one by one. I am personally drawing a line in the sand, and I am willing to die over it. God help the families of the IRS agents or Federal marshals who attempt to arrest me over compliance with this draconian law. Because on that day I guarantee that I will not die alone.
#11 by TheConsumerJournal on November 19, 2009 - 9:15 pm
These are the lovely democratic dictators that Americans voted into office. This tax bill symbolizes a brave new tyrannical America. Bye-bye freedom .