More Posturing on Debt Limit with No Compromise in Sight - June 1, 2011

On May 31, the House rejected a symbolic measure to raise the nation’s debt limit without any spending cuts attached. Republicans introduced the measure to put Democratic House members in a difficult position, and most Democrats declined to vote for the bill. While the partisan posturing continues on Capitol Hill, no compromise on how to raise the nation’s debt limit appear in sight. The main center of negotiation is a bipartisan group of Congressional leaders who meet with Vice-president Biden on a nearly daily basis. While details of the negotiations are scarce, we understand that substantial cuts to entitlements – particularly Medicaid – are being discussed.

NAPH is meeting with staff from members of the “Biden working group,” to discuss the importance of the Medicaid program for our patients and hospital systems. The group includes:

• Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Chair, Senate Committee on Finance
• Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Chair, Senate Committee on Appropriations
• Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Senate Minority Whip
• Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), House Majority Leader
• Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), House Minority Whip

With large Medicaid cuts on the table in deficit reduction negotiations, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has not yet rescheduled a postponed mark-up on legislation that would allow states to end Medicaid coverage for certain enrollees. NAPH is meeting with potential swing members of the Committee to encourage them to vote “no” on the legislation when it comes up in Committee.