Phil Gingrey: “I find it odd that we are doing so after a bipartisan group of Medicare conferees has reached an agreement that has been…”

“I find it odd that we are doing so after a bipartisan group of Medicare conferees has reached an agreement that has been strongly endorsed by numerous organizations, including AARP and 35 million seniors. This motion to instruct conferees... serves no useful purpose in this debate. It is a solution in desperate search of a problem. They are simply political tools used in a desperate attempt to divert attention away from the fact that the Republican House will, in a matter of days, deliver on its commitment to providing seniors with access to meaningful, affordable, and comprehensive prescription drug coverage. I support properly reimbursing physicians and hospitals. The House bill does that, as does the bipartisan Medicare conference agreement, which is why it is supported by a number of organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, and the Federation of American Hospitals. I also believe it is a false choice to suggest that we need to choose between properly reimbursing providers and finding a way to ensure Medicare's long-term financial viability, because this bill does both.”