Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of legislation that would avert a 23 percent payment cut for Medicare physicians and continue to provide them with a 2.2 percent update through December 31, 2010. While I would like to see a permanent, long-term solution to the flawed Medicare physician payment formula, this stop-gap legislation is necessary so that Medicare beneficiaries can continue to see their doctor of choice and have access to the care they need. However, a long-term solution to this problem is needed to provide stability for physicians who provide services under Medicare so that their practices can adequately plan for the expenses they incur for treating Medicare beneficiaries. In fact, the House passed legislation this Congress that would have permanently fixed the Medicare physician payment formula. Unfortunately, it was blocked in the Senate. Madam Speaker, I hope our Republican colleagues will join us in finding a long-term solution to this problem. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”