(July 9, 2008)—The powerful Texas Medical Association, which withdrew its endorsement of Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, after Cornyn voted two weeks ago against a measure voiding cuts in Medicare payments, praised both Cornyn and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, Wednesday for their votes in favor of the measure.
“The U.S. Senate got it right today. Physicians of the Texas Medical Association applaud Congress, especially our two Texas senators, for voting for elderly patients, military families, and persons with disabilities,” the TMA said in a prepared statement.
Texas Medical Association Statement
Senators, with Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy casting a crucial vote, approved legislation voiding the 10.6 percent pay cut for doctors treating Medicare patients.
The House had already overwhelmingly approved the measure, but the Senate vote two weeks ago fell one vote short of the 60 votes needed to limit debate.
Cornyn blamed Democrats for dodging a larger issue, but said, “it’s clear we have run out of time on this particular debate.”
“I do not support harmful cuts on doctors and patients, and will not allow let these cuts forward,” he said.
“I will continue to push for a permanent fix. Seniors, physicians and the American people deserve real solutions,” he said.
John Cornyn’s Statement
The change in position didn’t escape the notice of Democratic State Rep. Rick Noriega, who’s challenging Cornyn.
“Cornyn’s latest last minute flip flop on a critical piece of legislation to provide seniors, the disabled and service members access to healthcare is a disgrace for Texas families who need a Senator who will stand up for them every day – not just when it’s politically convenient,” Noriega said in a prepared statement.
Hutchison also voted in favor of cloture, saying she “felt the risk to senior citizens and service members who might not continue receiving treatment by physicians, due to reduced Medicare reimbursements, was too great.”
But she said she was concerned about the manner in which the measure was presented.
“The United States Senate has a long history of allowing members of both the majority and the minority to offer amendments, debate changes, and ensure that the concerns and ideas of every Senator are addressed,” she said.
“I felt so strongly about this, that I personally called Senator Harry Reid and asked that he permit at least a minimum number of amendments on each side. He refused.
Kay Bailey Hutchison’s Statement
Lawmakers were under pressure from doctors and the elderly patients they serve to void the cut, which kicked in July 1 because of a funding formula that establishes lower reimbursement rates when Medicare spending levels exceed established targets.
Some doctors say they'll quit taking new patients if the cuts stand.
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