Don Nickles: “AARP opposes give-back provisions without drug coverage in Medicare, and our 35 million members will not understand how…”

“AARP opposes give-back provisions without drug coverage in Medicare, and our 35 million members will not understand how the Senate can take this course of action. They have stated they are opposed to doing a give-back bill on a stand-alone basis. The House passed a Medicare adjustment bill, or give-back bill, in addition to passing prescription drugs. I know the Senator from Maine has indicated an interest in trying to do that. Asking unanimous consent to pass it without amendment would deny the Senator from Maine the opportunity to offer an amendment either in committee or on the floor. It would deny the Senator from Alabama the chance to do more for a rural provider wage adjustment, which I know Senator Sessions has repeatedly said he wanted to address. He should at least have that opportunity, either in committee and/or on the floor. To do something strictly by unanimous consent denies them that opportunity. I make those points, but I am still willing to work with our colleagues to see if we can do an affordable bill, one that can pass both the House and the Senate and be signed by the President this year.”