-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

November 23, 2009

“Doc Fix” Fixes Very Little  

A pressing issue Congress must address before the end of the year is keeping reimbursements to doctors who take care of Medicare patients fair.  Unless Congress acts, reimbursements will fall significantly, making it challenging for doctors to take on and retain Medicare patients.

I believe Congress can improve physician payments and seniors’ access to doctors without further increasing the already skyrocketing deficit.  That’s why I voted for a doctors’ reimbursement plan for Medicare that is paid for. 

Unfortunately, last week House Democrats did not agree with this approach and they passed Speaker Pelosi’s “Doc Fix” bill that would add nearly a quarter trillion dollars to the deficit.  That’s simply not a responsible “fix.”  In addition, this fix would force seniors to pay higher Medicare premiums and fails to ensure that doctors will be reimbursed appropriately in the future.  This misguided legislation increases the unfunded liability of Medicare by $1.9 trillion over the long term, in addition to the $39 trillion Medicare is already in the hole.

This so-called ‘Doc Fix’ was originally attached to Speaker Pelosi’s massive government takeover of health care, but was taken out in order to mask the true cost of the $1.3 trillion health care bill. The taxpayers, however, shouldn’t be fooled.

The alternative to the Democrats’ latest debt-inducing legislation that I voted for would have protected seniors’ access to doctors through a two-year fix for Medicare physician reimbursements without increasing the deficit because our plan would be paid for in full. I voted for this responsible alternative because I believe our physicians, their patients, and their families deserve better. 

The passage of this massive spending bill once again proves that Speaker Pelosi and her liberal Congress cannot help themselves when it comes to piling on debt.  Even our largest foreign creditor, China, has expressed strong concern about our runaway federal spending and deficits.  There is a limit on the amount of our debt they will continue to finance.

I remain firmly committed to health care reform that reimburses doctors fairly, ensures Medicare beneficiaries have access to doctors and preserves the ability of patients and doctors to make individual decisions. 

Congress must have a solid plan to pay for Medicare and doctors’ reimbursements other than just borrowing more money.  Further increasing our national debt is not a sound way of doing business, and more debt certainly will not help get our nation’s economy back on track.

Big Spring: “George H. O’Brien, Jr., Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center”

Last week, I had the honor of introducing H.R. 4150 in the House to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Big Spring as the “George H. O’Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.”

The selfless service of George H. O’Brien, Jr. in the United States Marines, and around his Big Spring community, is a prime example of the remarkable people who hail from West Texas and the Big Country. O’Brien served in the U.S. Merchant Marine from 1944-1946 and was called back into active duty during the Korean War. President Eisenhower awarded O’Brien with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallant actions at the Battle for the Hook in Korea. There are only 70 Texans who have received this honor, and he is the only recipient from Big Spring. In addition to the Medal of Honor, O’Brien received a number of other military honors including two Purple Hearts.

O’Brien passed away in 2005, but his memory and service will be remembered indefinitely. It is my hope that the Big Spring VA facility will continue to serve as a reminder of his wartime service, as well as his avid support for his fellow veterans.

A Time to Give Thanks

It’s been a challenging year for the American people, but it is my hope that we will not forget the many blessings we have to be thankful for as a nation.

George Washington proclaimed our first national day of thanksgiving and prayer 220 years ago.  He urged the nation to pray that our federal government would be a “blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws,” and for all nations to know “good governments, peace, and concord.” On this Thanksgiving Day, let that also be our prayer and sincere hope.

As we gather together with our families and friends, let us remember to keep the men and women of our Armed Forces, who will spend this holiday away from their loved ones, in our thoughts and prayers.  We can all find many things to be thankful for, including the dedication of those who sacrifice to keep us all safe and secure.

Staff Mobile Office Hours

Over the next couple of weeks, members of my staff will continue hosting “mobile office hours” to visit with constituents. During the “mobile office hours” the 19th District staff will gladly offer assistance with problems regarding federal issues or agencies.  If you are experiencing problems with a federal government agency or want to share your opinion on issues in Congress, I invite you to come and visit with a member of my staff while they are visiting your community or a location near you.

In the event you are unable to attend the “mobile office hours” in your area, I encourage you to contact my office any time, toll free, at 888-763-1611.

In the next two weeks, members of my staff will set up offices at the following locations:

Tuesday, November 24

Friona
10:00 am-11:30 am
City Hall, Council Chambers
623 S Main St

Tuesday, December 1

Archer City
1:00pm-2:00pm
Commissioners Court Room
114 East Walnut (Annex Building)

Newcastle
3:00 pm-4:00 pm
Newcastle City Hall
608 Broadway Ave

Graham
5:30pm-6:30pm
Graham Chamber of Commerce
608 Elm St

“Question of the Week”

Do you think Congress should pay for spending legislation such as the Medicare “Doc Fix” through reductions in other spending before passing the bill?

Please visit my website to submit your answer to this week’s question.