Washington, DC - Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said today that he will speed up efforts to craft Medicare legislation this year by moving directly to negotiations with the House of Representatives, which passed Medicare legislation earlier this year. Baucus and Finance Ranking Republican Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have already reached agreement on many provisions for a Medicare bill, although some remain outstanding. A previous request that Baucus hold a formal markup in the Finance Committee was withdrawn today.
“Finance Committee negotiations on a Medicare bill have been very productive, and there’s now a good basis for negotiation with the House. It’s important to move as quickly as possible toward a final Medicare bill before the end of this year.
Americans deserve the good reforms that I was prepared to bring before the Finance Committee. I will, of course, continue to solicit and incorporate the views of all members of the Finance Committee as I work to craft a strong Medicare reform bill."
Source: Ranking Member’s News
