Wilson Statement on House Budget

Wilson Statement on House Budget
3/17/2005

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson today voted for the budget in the U.S. House of Representatives which passed 218-214, and released the following statement:

"I supported this budget because it funds defense and homeland security, adequately protects several programs important to New Mexico and moves us closer to a balanced budget. I am disappointed in the portion of the budget that could lead to a smaller increase for the Medicaid program over the next five years. We need to reform Medicaid so that it improves the health of those who depend upon it. Policy should drive the budget, not the other way around.

"I have urged the House Budget members and the House leadership to establish a Medicaid Commission so we can determine a long term plan for improving Medicaid with all the players at the table. Our bipartisan legislation in the House to establish this commission now has over 130 cosponsors, and Sen. Smith was successful in adding his companion legislation to the Senate budget today. House rules do not allow amendments of that kind on budget resolutions. I will continue to encourage House leaders to accept this approach to reform Medicaid as we move into conference committee."

http://wilson.house.gov/NewsAction.asp?FormMode=Releases