In response to a letter titled "Courtney's vote hindering business," published Sept. 17, let the record show that Rep. Joe Courtney is working to help small-business owners and to retain jobs. His voting record supports this claim.

In July, he voted for H.R. 5982, which, if Republicans hadn't blocked its passage, would have:

• Removed the 1099 mandate.

• Eliminated tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs out of the country.

At issue in the letter is the 1099 provision. This provision, part of the new health care reform bill, does not create a new tax. It was designed as a reporting requirement to ensure that businesses comply with existing tax laws.

Rep. Courtney recognized the potential hardships this provision in the bill could impose on small businesses and voted for its removal.