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WASHINGTON – Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., today voted in favor of legislation that would permanently repeal Obamacare’s 2.3 percent excise tax on medical devices.

“When the Democrat-controlled Congress rammed the so-called Affordable Care Act through this chamber, I joined my Republican colleagues in expressing our grave concerns over the effects of the law’s tax increases. Specifically, we warned that the excise tax on medical devices would hinder innovation as well as restrict growth and job creation in an industry that has improved the quality of life of millions around the world,” said Foxx during a speech on the House floor. “And just as we cautioned, this tax on devices that restore mobility, keep hearts in rhythm and help doctors diagnose life-threatening diseases earlier than ever before has cost us local jobs and reduced research capabilities. This tax must be repealed and its harmful effects undone.”

During her remarks, Foxx cited the example of Cook Medical, which employs 600 people in Winston-Salem, N.C., where the company focuses on endoscopy medicine. Since the medical device tax was levied in 2013, Cook Medical has paid roughly $13 million annually, which amounts to an increase of more than a 30 percent in their taxes. As a result of the tax, the company was forced to pull back on plans to expand operations in the United States, including those located in Winston-Salem.

H.R. 160, the Protect Medical Innovation Act, passed the House by a vote of 280-140.

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U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District and is the elected Republican Conference Secretary. Dr. Foxx is the chair of the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and serves as Vice Chair of the House Rules Committee.