New Jersey - U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) released the following statement in response to the Republican decision to risk raising health care costs on small businesses and those who make their living from small businesses. Menendez is leading efforts to protect small businesses from the risky Republican tax-raising proposal by giving Health and Human Services the ability to study the impact of the Republican scheme and, if needed, create protections for small businesses.

Senator Menendez said, "Repealing red tape on small businesses is right. But who in the world, especially during these fragile economic times, would want to raise costs on small businesses? The Republican scheme may do just that. This step is simple-it directs the Administration to determine whether the Republican proposal would increase health insurance costs or cause cuts in health coverage for small businesses. If so, we have the power to protect small businesses from higher health care costs and coverage cuts. That's the right thing to do, and I'll fight to support it."

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