WALLY HERGER: “Considering the extent of the fiscal challenges facing the Medicare program as well as our country, it is essential that…”

The American public recognizes that today's Medicare program faces significant financial challenges.

This highlights a concern I have. The President and congressional Democrats clearly went out of their way during the legislative debate to hide the fact that this is a tax.

While I believe that market approaches hold great promise for improving the situation, my intent is to use the information we learn from this hearing as a starting point for further assessment of the consolidation issue.

The law's new mandates and regulations are standing in the way of job creation at a time when unemployment remains high and our economy desperately needs more jobs.