Paulsen calls for repeal of healthcare law

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WASHINGTON, June 9 (UPI) -- Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., Saturday called for the repeal of the healthcare reform legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.

"The bottom line is this: The president's healthcare law is driving up healthcare costs and hurting small businesses, and for the sake of our economy, it must fully be repealed," Paulsen said in the weekly Republican address.

His comments come as the U.S. Supreme Court reviews the constitutionality of the healthcare law.

Paulsen cited a $29 billion tax on medical-device manufacturers -- which hasn't taken effect -- saying it has already prompted employers to cancel plans to expand and some have moved overseas or cut research and development.

"Repealing this job-crushing tax is a critical step, also worthy of the Senate's support," Paulsen said. "And it's a vivid demonstration of why we need to fully repeal this healthcare law."

Paulsen noted only 69,000 jobs were added in May and unemployment stands at 8.2 percent, which he said is "far above" the level Obama promised it would now be when the stimulus bill was enacted.

"It's clear that getting our economy going again should be job No. 1 for everyone in Washington," Paulsen said. "Too many Americans are still having a hard time finding jobs, small businesses are struggling to create them and there's little mystery as to why. The president's policies are standing in the way of a stronger economy."