Frank Pallone

As you know, I am totally opposed to any drilling off the coast of the Atlantic.

I am pleased we are having this hearing today to discuss the temporary payment policies and programs we typically extended every year alongside the SGR.

I believe we should extend the bonus payments for the life of the program.

The work of these Family to Family Centers has long been supported by members on both sides of the aisle

I have been a strong supporter of the Family to Family Health Information Center program in the past and the program has helped so many families in my State and across the country manage their special health care needs.

Thank you. I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee.

I now yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).

I want to reiterate that I think the original Medicare program or the traditional Medicare, which we have had since 1965, is the bedrock.

I just disagree. You know, with ACOs and traditional Medicare, seniors have the ultimate choice.

The Republicans basically think the Affordable Care Act is the end of the world.

Today I am pleased we have the opportunity to talk about Medicare and the positive reforms introduced by the Affordable Care Act to Medicare Advantage.

We believe the health-based approach is the proper approach.

The Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement Awareness Act that I sponsor contains provisions that will build upon the current CDC activities and ultimately help prevent these deaths from occurring.

I just wanted to be sure to express my disappointment that the subcommittee didn't give the administration enough time to be here today to have input on these seven public health bills.

Mr. Pallone, I wanted to submit for the record endorsement letters from 24 organizations.

I wanted to mention that... the National Association of Medical Examiners... are, you know, enforcement.

I just wanted to thank--well, I should say a very special welcome to Laura Crandall from New Jersey. She and I have worked together for many years on the bill, my bill that is before the subcommittee today.

I have no doubt that the sponsors of the bill had no intention of exempting such apps from oversight.

I question whether it makes sense to enshrine in statute something that may not work for an ever-evolving industry.

I have several concerns about this bill starting with the timing.

I am also concerned about what the impact would be of giving this broad set of software a new definition and excluding it from the device definition.

No, this doesn't codify our policy. It takes out from our authority the ability to assure the safety and effectiveness of devices that we currently regulate, including some high-risk devices.

But we think at the present time, this is just simply premature.

I think that is the concern.

I am not convinced there is a problem that needs to be fixed here.