The SGR is critically important, and I don't think it is enough to say if the Senate Democrats didn't do this or the House Republicans didn't do that.

But what I am hearing you saying is CMS isn't listening to you.

I appreciate you bringing this issue to the forefront, and committed to help you with it.

Well, thank you. We are really pleased that you have raised this issue, and that you have bipartisan support. And we are looking forward to working with you on the issue.

I do believe that Congress should start with the proposition that we should not be releasing this information, except for very specific purposes that the Congress has thought hard about, with protections for the public so that the Federal agencies have full authority to protect the data, as best as possible, if it is used for any other reason. I think the American people really expect no less from us.

No, I kind of agree with you on that.

Yes. So each State is different, is it not?

Thank you, ma'am. You know, Mr. Pratt recommended we change the law to codify certain business access to the Death Master File, including State records.

It seems to me if Commerce is selling it, they ought to be responsible for it, or the States, not Social Security.

Thank you, sir. I appreciate your testimony.

It is a continuous problem that can't be solved right now, but needs to be addressed, certainly.