Political Quotes

“I agree with the Senator. As the Senator knows, the legislation offered by the Senator, myself, and Senator McCain, this specific language is supported by the medical groups from around the country involved with this issue on a daily basis that have a first-hand understanding of what works and what doesn't work. We have been working with those groups to fashion this language. That is the reason that language exists. We know from the American Medical Association and all the health care groups around the country that they support the language we have in the bill. That having been said, I say to the Senator, in order to try to address some of the concerns raised, my colleagues who are the sponsors of this amendment have been working with a group of Senators today to fashion an alteration to this language that makes it clearer that the contract language will be respected but balances that against the need for flexibility with the review panel. I believe we will have an amendment tomorrow to offer on that subject. I end by thanking my colleagues from Arizona and Nebraska. While I will not be able to support their amendment, we understand the issue. We believe our bill is adequate on this issue, but we will have an alternative to propose tomorrow. Ultimately the point of this, of course, is to protect patients, make sure patients get the care they need. I think the language in our bill plus the language in the amendment will accomplish that purpose. I yield the floor.”