I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania will be postponed. Announcement by the Acting Chair The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant…

It should be noted that this Committee has played a key role in facilitating prescription drug monitoring programs.

Today's hearing is the first in a series of hearings this subcommittee will hold on the subject of prescription drug abuse.

I want to thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry) for his outstanding leadership on this issue that we're discussing tonight, the right of conscience. And I come tonight to the floor with alarm over how this administration is…

While we expect all States to participate in the Medicaid expansion because it is an advantageous fiscal arrangement, I am troubled and discouraged that there are many who still have not decided to expand.

We need to provide States with the flexibility to pursue these options, not lock them in a one-size-fits-all model dictated by Washington.

We reimburse so poorly in Medicaid that the patients can only do what they have always done, which is go to the emergency room, the highest point of contact. If we expand the program, we are going to expand the problem. I yield back.

I am extremely concerned that their proposal will simply lead to higher premiums and greater financial burdens on low-income elderly or disabled Medicaid beneficiaries.

I would argue that under the current law, a great deal of flexibility exists while simultaneously providing a baseline of protections for beneficiaries.

From New Jersey's perspective, expanding Medicaid just makes sense and that is why Governor Christie chose to expand.

Medicaid was designed as a safety net for the most vulnerable Americans, including pregnant women, dependent children, the blind and the disabled.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today.