Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, first let me thank Chairman Pitts for his leadership of the Health Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce and toward a solution for our local physicians. I rise today in support of the Pathway for SGR Reform. This is an important bill because it makes sure that our local physicians who treat our seniors don't face a drastic cut in their reimbursements on New Year's Day. We need a permanent solution. Just this morning the Ways and Means Committee unanimously voted to advance a bill that begins the process of a permanent, reliable solution so our seniors can continue to see a local doctor when they need them. It is not easy to bridge the gap and pay for this legislation, but until we can complete the process of a permanent solution, we had to make some difficult choices. In particular, I want to thank the long- term care hospitals for their strong leadership. We were able to work with this industry to design new criteria that created efficiencies to generate savings in the important Medicare program. Without the strong support of leaders in the LTCH industry, this would not have been possible. This has helped make a good bill even better.”