Republicans open hearing of House tax-writing committee vowing to fight Dems’ health care bill

Republicans vow to fight health care tax increases

WASHINGTON — House Democrats shouldn’t expect votes from Republicans in passing a bill that increases taxes on the rich to pay for health care reform.

Republicans opened a committee meeting Thursday morning vowing to fight a Democratic plan to impose a surcharge on families making more than $350,000. The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to work through the day — and perhaps into Friday — voting on amendments to the $1.5 trillion, 10-year plan.

Rep. Wally Herger, a California Republican, said the tax increases are no substitute for fiscal responsibility.

Committee Chairman Charles Rangel said there were more than 50 amendments to work through before the committee votes on the overall bill. Democrats, with a solid majority, don’t need any Republican votes to approve the measure.