Pelosi Statement on Democrats’ Introduction of Permanent Medicare “Doc Fix”

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the permanent Medicare "doc fix" bill, introduced by Congressman John Tierney (D-MA) earlier today. The bill contains the bipartisan, bicameral measure to permanently reform the Sustainable Growth Rate, fully paid for with unused funds in the overseas contingency operations account. The legislation was blocked by Republicans in a party line vote this afternoon.

"This week, House Republicans are doing their level best to steer the health of our nation's seniors into a legislative dead-end – threatening seniors' ability to see their doctors for the sake of Republicans' fevered obsession with tearing down the Affordable Care Act and the quality, affordable health coverage it is providing to millions of Americans across the country.

"The House GOP Leadership's toxic and irresponsible partisanship is derailing months of bipartisan, bicameral progress on a permanent Medicare ‘doc fix.' Today, Democrats offered a road back to common sense, introducing a fully-paid-for bill that includes the reforms to the Sustainable Growth Rate supported by both Democrats and Republicans. But with time running out before seniors lose access to their doctors and health care, Republicans have blocked the House from considering this key legislation.

"The health and security of America's seniors deserve better than Republicans' craven political games. House Republicans should end their partisan antics, and join Democrats to advance the bipartisan, permanent Medicare ‘doc fix' our seniors and our nation need."

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