Jerry Moran: “we are in the process of reaching a conclusion in debating at least the first step--maybe now the second step--of…”

“we are in the process of reaching a conclusion in debating at least the first step--maybe now the second step--of reconciliation. It is an opportunity for us to make the Tax Code more permanent, an opportunity for us to reduce spending and to hopefully get the budget better in balance to bring our debt under control. But, today, I just want to highlight a small portion of what this debate ultimately will consider, and that is the issue of Medicaid. As does the Presiding Officer, I come from a very rural State. Medicaid is a component of how we provide healthcare to low-income individuals and how we care for and provide medical treatment for those with disabilities. I want to highlight from my own personal point of view how valuable that is, the necessity of our finding ways for low-income individuals and individuals with disabilities to be able to access healthcare. As this conversation and debate continue, I want to make certain that my colleagues know, in my view, the value of making certain we do no harm to those in desperate need of healthcare in Kansas and across the country. I am certain--perhaps without a doubt--there are flaws in the system and that abuse occurs, and our focus should be on eliminating those flaws and that abuse. I want to also talk about another aspect of Medicaid funding. A lot of what I have worked on as a U.S.…”