WALLY HERGER: “That tax increase could go as high as $3,800, and talking about average families.”

I am very disappointed with the lack of leadership and interest in this issue at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The issue of consolidation warrants this subcommittee's attention as all health care cost drivers need to be closely examined, especially in this challenging economic and budget environment.

The President has repeatedly stated that he would not raise taxes for individuals earning less than $200,000 and married couples earning less than $250,000.

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.