Political Quotes

“Mr. President, reserving the right to object, since last year, I have been asking for a commitment from my Democrat colleagues that any future reconciliation legislation in this Congress will not incorporate policies that will reduce access to care in nonexpansion States such as Tennessee. Specifically, my concern is that this reconciliation legislation that the House of Representatives passed last fall included provisions that cut DSH and uncompensated care pool payments for nonexpansion States. This would result in less healthcare for vulnerable populations in my State, accelerate hospital closures in my State, and it would disadvantage rural communities in my State of Tennessee. These are places and populations for which we are trying to secure more quality healthcare, not less. Because I have not received confirmation that these provisions will not be included in any future reconciliation bill, I cannot consent to expediting confirmation of this nominee, and I object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.”