“Again today, the House has taken decisive action on a critical issue facing the American people by passing this important legislation to stave off the 10.6 percent payment reduction for thousands of physicians in Medicare.  This physician payment cut would not only negatively affect doctors, but also the millions of Medicare patients who are served by them.

           

“I am particularly pleased that this legislation – which also enhances Medicare preventive and mental health benefits, and improves programs for low-income beneficiaries – passed with such a large, bipartisan majority.  This overwhelming vote should send a strong signal to the Senate, where virtually identical legislation introduced by Senator Baucus has been stalled by Senate Republicans.

           

“We now will wait to see how the Senate intends to move forward on this important bill, and I am hopeful that we can reach agreement and send a bill to the President’s desk before we break for the Fourth of July District Work Period.”