Cliff Stearns: “Mr. Speaker, let me answer that question, because I think it is fundamental to this debate. Current Federal law uses…”

“Mr. Speaker, let me answer that question, because I think it is fundamental to this debate. Current Federal law uses broad and general language. For example, Medicare pays for items and services 'reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury.' If assisted suicide is legalized by the Supreme Court, or any individual State, all it would take is one district court judge to rule that assisted suicide fits under the Medicare statutes guidelines. We need to make sure that this does not happen today by clarifying the Federal law. This bill is also very important because it will send a clear message to States and insurance carriers. As has happened in many cases, State and private coverage is often modeled after Federal law. For example, when Congress extends Medicare or Medicaid coverage to address a particular health condition, States and private plans frequently adopt the same changes. Mr. Speaker, by banning Federal funding for assisted suicide, we will serve as an example for States and private carriers to follow, thereby reducing the number of suicides and promoting better end-of-life care and suicide prevention.”