And like every Member here, I certainly want a system that's objective and fair.

Congress needs to fully invest in reducing the backlog.

But I have plenty of practice with that situation where you are trained to deny up front, because that is one way to manage resources, no question.

Medicare is an incredibly complex system and the reality is that, if we don't start dealing up front with the Medicare complexities, we are not--we can chase this all day long and go from one extreme to the other and we are going to find…

our job is to make sure that every tax dollar is being used the way it was intended

If a provider or a supplier is forced to cut back services or close its doors as a result of a RAC audit, I think this is a lose-lose situation for everyone.

Reducing waste and fraud and abuse in the Medicare program is critically important, not only to protect taxpayer funds.

I would certainly make the statement that, and you've heard this, or heard this theme, I think, throughout this hearing, we have providers who would differ with you about these administrative burdens and whether 14 percent is reasonable in…

the due process system is clearly broken

we've now--with the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, we've recently announced that we're going to suspend the ability of providers to have their appeals heard by administrative law judges

I would really appreciate if you would think about that, respond to me and the Committee.

I certainly can appreciate that and recognize, given that we have our own natural gas exploration issues in New Mexico.

In fact, while the drought has been occurring for decades, we are in the 4th consecutive year of the most severe drought we have ever experienced.

In my State, I am from New Mexico, the energy industry is certainly critical to our economic success.

It is also clear to me that the natural gas revolution has national security implications.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for having this hearing.

I really appreciate it. I think there is lots of work to do to make not only better and productive decisions...

I think a little bipartisan work, Mr. Chairman, on these issues would be a very good thing.

I found it to be the most confusing, difficult, ineffective effort of any program I have ever been associated with and was quite disappointed, and still am.

It doesn't appear that it has helped many New Mexicans.

I think that is really important. And as the rest of the panel answers, and I appreciate the reference to your partners who are part of those grant investments, but also looking at--tell me what you will do differently going forward…

I spent, actually, before coming to Congress, some time working with our State legislature...

one of the things that I can say that based on Massachusetts' reform experience in the past eight years, outreach and education is really one of the most critical efforts; it is the most important investment area, particularly the most…

I look forward to having you back in the district, and we are ready to work with you.

We know that 8 out of 10 Hispanics are likely eligible for Medicaid, one of the Medicaid programs or subsidized coverage, and yet we have half the Hispanic population is not going to be insured;