Starting Over on Health Care: Focus on Lower Costs Not Medicare Cuts, McConnell Says

Statement

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement Sunday regarding the President's announcement to Katie Couric that he plans to invite members of Congress to the White House for a discussion on health care reform:

"We always appreciate the opportunity to share ideas with the President, particularly on an issue where Americans have spoken so clearly. If we are to reach a bipartisan consensus, the White House can start by shelving the current health spending bill, and with it their goal of slashing a half trillion dollars from Medicare and raising a half trillion in new taxes. The American people want lower costs, not Medicare cuts and tax increases. Setting these proposals aside would be a sign that the administration and Democrats in Congress are listening to the country and are truly interested in a bipartisan approach.

"The fact is Senate Republicans held hundreds of town halls and met with their constituents across the country last year on the need for health care reform, outlining ideas for the step-by-step approach that Americans have asked for. And we know there are a number of issues with bipartisan support that we can start with when the 2,700-page bill is put on the shelf."

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