Chuck Hagel: This measure will not strengthen Medicare

[cthrumatrix]

Chuck Hagel: This measure will not strengthen Medicare

BY CHUCK HAGEL

The writer, a Republican, is Nebraska's senior U.S. senator.

I voted against the Medicare reform bill because it will not strengthen Medicare and does not responsibly address the need for prescription drug coverage. It will add trillions of dollars onto Medicare's current $13.5 trillion in unfunded liabilities for future generations.

I voted against this for reasons different from those of many of my Democratic colleagues.

Yes, it does contain some good things, like realistic Medicare reimbursement formulas for rural hospitals and physicians, preventive health care measures and means testing. For $400 billion over 10 years and an additional $7 trillion of unfunded liabilities, it should!

This started as a prescription drug plan for seniors. We need to add such a plan. But it must be an honest, responsible plan that can be paid for and sustained by the next generation. This bill became a payoff to special interest groups involved in Medicare reform.

It expressly prohibits the federal government from negotiating drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries, even though the government negotiates prices for other Medicare services. Who wins here?

snip

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=609&u_sid=928661

share this with your repug friends.....really nice deal

[spooky3]

1. I'm not sure how his reasons differ from those of many

of his Dem colleagues. They sound pretty familiar, and reasonable, to me.

[salin]

2. so is Hagel setting himself up to quietly play McCain?

He has opposed, publically, the actions of this administration with increasing frequency. Are some folks (eg monied - who are less than happy with the financial ruining of the country) whispering in is ear?

[yellowdawgdem]

3. Hagel part owner of e-voting company?

Isn't Hagel one of those guys who is supposedly heavily involved in the electronic voting scandals? And possibly even bought himself the wins he got in Nebraska in 02? I figure somebody like that will say anything to further their career. I wouldn't believe a smarmy word that comes out of his mouth. imo.:puke:

[cthrumatrix]

4. same guy....but use "his words" against freepers" ...after all he is on

their side and he is clearly saying this bill is uneneccessary..as Mccain did

[goforit]

5. Coming out of the closet, eh?.....Your conscience is eating you alive!!!

LOL!!!!.........

Diabold noose tightening????

LOL!!!!

[BootinUp]

6. Admittedly I know little about Hagel but

When he does issue press releases, they generally go against the RNC party line, for instance on Iraq and now this. Seems like he is trying to do his job here. He is obviously a moderate republican, someone the Dems can work with.