WASHINGTON, DC – At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today continued his call for a public hearing on the nomination of Dr. Donald Berwick to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) so Americans can learn about the person responsible for cutting half a trillion dollars from Medicare and controlling one third of all health care spending in America.

 At issue is President Obama’s recess appointment of Dr. Berwick earlier this month to avoid a public hearing on Dr. Berwick’s controversial record.

 Senator Roberts made the following statement at the Finance Committee hearing on nominations:

 “Today’s hearing is a great illustration of why the vetting process by Senate committees play a critical role in the review of individuals nominated to serve the public in an official capacity.

 “During the Committee’s review of Mr. Reischauer, some discrepancies arose concerning his tax records.

 “While I anticipate my colleagues will ask the relevant questions to better understand the misrepresentation uncovered during the vetting process, I must say that I appreciate your attendance, Mr. Reischauer.

 “I know it may not be easy to sit here today to respond to the questions that are asked, but here you are. As we have all witnessed, that is not always the case with nominees.

 “I wish that the Senate Finance Committee were granted the same courtesy of a hearing in regard to Dr. Donald Berwick’s recent appointment to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

 “As Administrator of CMS, Dr. Berwick will be in charge of implementing the most sweeping changes to our nation’s health care system in some time.

 “At the same time, CMS is charged with finding nearly a half-a-trillion in cuts as required in the health reform bill that was jammed through Congress. 

 “Given that all we know about Dr. Berwick are from his public statements - one, which he  expresses his “love” of the British National Health System, a system which rations care to patients in order to contain costs, it is incumbent upon us to know more about his views on what services are acceptable and what medical services will get the cut.

 “The American people deserve to hear how Dr. Berwick will implement the major changes called for in the so-called health care reform bill and how those changes impact their health care.
 
 “To that end, I reiterate my strong support for a committee hearing on Dr. Berwick’s appointment as soon as possible.”

 Senator Roberts is a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the Senate Committee on Finance. He is Co-Chairman of the Senate Rural Health Caucus.

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