WASHINGTON– Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) co-chairs Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) issued the following statement in response to House Republican’s decision to attach a delay in the Affordable care Act’s individual mandate to legislation that would prevent a cut in Medicare payments to doctors:

“House Republicans have proven once again that they can’t be trusted when it comes to Medicare. Instead of taking this opportunity to pass abipartisan agreement that finally fixes Medicare physician payments, Republicans decided to attack the Affordable Care Act and leave seniors wondering if this problem will ever be solved.

“Republicans need to bring abill to the floor that doesn’t repeal health reform or force people with Medicare to pick up the tab. A proposal that shifts costs onto seniors would not be a real solution and may actually prevent them from getting care they need, which doesn’t serve physicians or patients.

“The Congressional Progressive Caucus looks forward to voting on a serious, bipartisan proposal. We insist on a solution that does not shift costs onto seniors. We want fair pay for doctors and fair rates for patients”

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