Super Committee Members Named, Planning Begins for Fall Advocacy - August 17, 2011

After much speculation, Congressional leaders have released their designees for the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, known as the “super-committee,” charged with finding federal budget savings under the debt ceiling legislation signed by President Obama on Aug. 2. The members of the super-committee are:

In the Senate:

Patty Murray (D-Wash.) – Super-committee Democratic Chair
Chair, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

John Kerry (D-Mass.)
Chair, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
Chair, Senate Committee on Finance

Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.)
Senate Minority Whip

Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

Pat Toomey (R-Pa.)

In the House of Representatives:

Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) – Super-committee Republican Chair

Fred Upton (R-Mich.)
Chair, House Energy & Commerce Committee

Dave Camp (R-Mich.)
Chair, House Ways & Means Committee

Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.)

Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.)
Chair, House Democratic Caucus

Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)
Ranking Member, House Budget Committee

NAPH is developing a comprehensive engagement strategy for the fall, when Congress is back in session. Medicaid remains under threat as the super committee looks for large savings in the federal budget. It will be vital to engage the members of the super committee, as well as other committees of jurisdiction, and urge them to follow the intent of the debt limit legislation by protecting Medicaid patients’ access to care. NAPH encourages members to come to Washington for the Fall Conference and Clinicians Legislative Event – which will be a great opportunity for connecting with members of Congress. Look to NAPH as more information about the committee and its recommendations are released.