House Republicans oppose Bush's Medicare cuts (? '07 budget passage)

[UpInArms]

http://today.reuters.com/misc/PrinterFriendlyPopup.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=uri:2006-03-08T210219Z_01_N08500372_RTRIDST_0_CONGRESS-HEALTH.XML

WASHINGTON, March 8 (Reuters) - President George W. Bush's plan to cut $36 billion from Medicare ran into stiff opposition on Wednesday from dozens of his fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives.

The move creates doubts about getting Bush's 2007 budget through Congress -- and is another sign of growing tensions between the president and his fellow Republicans in Congress.

In another headache for Bush, a top Senate Republican said he was putting on the back burner the president's proposal to expand tax-free Health Savings Accounts, a major component of the administration's effort to reduce health care costs.

Bush proposed trimming $36 billion over five years -- and $105 billion over 10 -- from Medicare, the federal health plan for America's elderly, mostly by slowing payments to hospitals, nursing homes and similar health care providers.

The plan was immediately criticized by Democrats who are likely to make health spending an issue in the November congressional elections. More than 60 House Republicans now have come out in opposition as well.

"Hospitals are not just a health care safety net for their communities but also anchor local economies. They also must stand ready to respond to natural disasters, pandemic diseases and the threat of terrorism," the House Republicans wrote in a letter made public on Wednesday.

...more...

[stepnw1f]

1. Suuurrre They Do

[DamnYank]

2. Good. Health care needs to be an election issue

The more attention that is focused on health care in the November elections, the better.

Edited: typo.

[mom cat]

3. Are some wittle wons gettin scared of Novemberitis?

[annabanana]

4. Is this just a feint to pave the way for those abominable

"Health Savings Accounts"?... or is the irresistible force hitting the immovable object?

[MiniMe]

5. The repuke house members know they can't afford to lose the senior vote nt

[Doctor_J]

6. They'll oppose them until November 8

then after they slither back into office, the ax will be out again for any program that helps working people.

[zann725]

7. Let's "hear it again for the Repug boys". Finally starting to see 'Light'

...if only to get re-elected.

After all, cutting Medicare is NOT a Repug or Dem issue...but a human one. And there IS a point (obviously we've just about reached it) when Repugs (some at least)...are actually becoming "compassionate Conservatives"...if only a little.

And as said...in case of natural disaster, or terrorist attack, we need these health plans, medical coverage in place. Not to mention every- day existence for Elderly and Disabled.

[SuperWonk]

9. Hopefully

The republicans are starting to see the light and they will go against the president's proposal...health care is a huge issue and should take precedence.

[Norquist Nemesis]

8. Disgusting Cons!

Last night, Duncan Hunter was on talking how "It was the REPUBLICANS that killed this deal!" They're going to do the same thing with each and every issue in the run-up to November.

So utterly sickening and discouraging. And the media just plays along like thankful puppies.

I sure hope Democrats are able to remind the voters at each and every opportunity what these jerks have been doing for the past six years. :grr: Cons haven't changed or suddenly gained a conscience to do what's best for the country.

[Beall]

10. Bring new dems to congress!!

I dont think America has forgotten what Bush and the other republicans have been doing for the past 6 years. Hopefully change is on the way for healthcare and many other issues that we face.