U.S. Senator Ken Salazar

Member: Finance, Agriculture, Energy, Ethics and Aging Committees

 

2300 15th Street, Suite 450 Denver, CO 80202 | 702 Hart Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

 

 

For Immediate Release

Thursday, June 12, 2008

CONTACT:Stephanie Valencia – 202-228-3630
Michael Amodeo – 202-228-5019

Sen. Salazar's Statement on Delay to Urgent Medicare 'Fix' Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, United States Senator Ken Salazar released the following statement in response to the Senate’s failed vote to proceed to full debate on S. 3101, The Medicare Improvements Bill. The bill would prevent a disastrous cut to Medicare reimbursement rates that is scheduled for June 30. The motion, which needed 60 votes to pass, failed on a vote of 54 to 39.

“I am deeply disappointed by the outcome of today’s vote, especially considering the widespread negative impacts these cuts – set to take place on June 30 – will have on our country’s Medicare patients and the doctors that treat them. Every single United States Senator – every single one – has heard loud and clear from their constituents about the devastating effects that these cuts will have if we do not address this problem.

“We had a chance today to heed their concerns and to strengthen the Medicare program by enacting this bill. Despite my disappointment, I remain as committed as ever to addressing this issue with the urgency it demands.”

This week, Senator Salazar gave a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate in favor of The Medicare Improvements Bill. For the full text of his remarks, please click here.

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