07.15.08

Cantwell Applauds Congress for Overriding President's Medicare Veto

WASHINGTON, DC – Tuesday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined her colleagues in overriding President Bush’s Medicare veto that would have blocked cuts to Medicare.
 
“Today, President Bush demonstrated his indifference to the needs of millions of American seniors, veterans, and service members by vetoing a bipartisan measure that will protect Medicare and TRICARE from disastrous cuts,” said Cantwell. “Congress has promptly answered by overturning the President’s veto and ensuring that some of our most vulnerable populations get access to the care they need.”
 
HR 6331, which passed the Senate on July 9th, was vetoed by the President earlier today.  The Senate override vote was successful in reaching the necessary two-thirds majority needed, with a final tally recorded at 70-26.  The House of Representatives was also successful on an earlier override vote, producing a 383-41 margin. 
 
With the veto override, Medicare physician reimbursement rates will be restored from a 10.6 percent cut that went into effect today.  The law will also affect active duty service members and veterans utilizing TRICARE, which ties its payment rates to Medicare.  HR 6331 will freeze physician payments for 2008 and provide a modest increase the following year. 
 
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