Jack Bergman: “I thank the chairman for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, it is crucial we are clear about the focus of today's debate.…”

“I thank the chairman for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, it is crucial we are clear about the focus of today's debate. Our aim is not to remove vulnerable Americans from the government assistance programs they and their families depends on. On the contrary, we are focused on strengthening the integrity of these programs to ensure that taxpayer dollars are directed to those who genuinely need them. In the past decade, Medicaid has accounted for over $550 billion, with a b, in improper payments, making it one of the government's largest sources of payment errors. It would be irresponsible and a betrayal of our fiduciary duty to American taxpayers not to make a focused effort to recover these misused funds and redirect them to those who need them the most. With that said, it is essential these efforts are made with a careful approach that avoids unintended consequences for vulnerable Americans and providers. As my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee begin their critical efforts, I urge them to keep this top of mind. I urge all my colleagues to support this good resolution.”