Bipartisan Medicaid Bill Passes House

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), ViceChair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today praised thepassage of H.R. 5613, the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008,on a strong, bipartisan vote of 349 to 62. DeGette supported today'smeasure saying "it is a win for America's public hospitals and thosedesperately in need of health care."

"The Bush Administration's draconian changes proposed to the Medicaidsystem threaten the viability of our nation's safety-net hospitals.Institutions across the country, including those in Colorado, face thereal possibility of closing their doors to people in need. The Housetook aggressive action today by passing strong, bipartisan legislationthat will stand up to President Bush's veto threat.

"The President used a meat cleaver in making ill-conceived cuts to theMedicaid program, when he should have used a scalpel if he felt changeswere needed. Cutting-edge public hospitals, like Denver Health in mydistrict, are employing innovative, cost-effective ways to providequality health care. I look forward to working with my colleagues onboth sides of the aisle in assuring the continued viability ofMedicaid."

The measure was passed under suspension of the rules requiring a 2/3vote approval for passage – the necessary number for a veto proofmajority. The measure now moves to the U.S. Senate for itsconsideration.