Political Quotes

“I have already objected to the modification of the amendment because it includes an offset of U.S. Customs Service fees. I have talked to the Senator from New York about my commitment to try to find a way in the Finance Committee to develop a plan very early in this year to find the reimbursement capability for the health care providers that are included within her amendment because I have in the past cosponsored legislation which would provide for adequate reimbursement to all of the health care professions. To set the record straight, we have ensured in this legislation that the cut that was going to take place in physician reimbursements will not take place. Additionally, there is funding for the rural hospitals. That will be done because those were the emergency requirements that we deal with in this legislation. In addition to that, the add-ons to the reimbursements to all of the other providers that are the subject of the amendment of the Senator from New York are set to expire. It is my intention to work with the Senator from New York to find a way to ensure that we can continue those add-ons. That can be done in the Finance Committee, and I am hopeful we will be able to do that. The first point I want to make is that the true emergency--the physicians--is being taken care of in this legislation.”