Dougherty slams Bartlett for voting against Medicaid Bill, Congressman blames Democratic leadership

Democratic congressional candidate Jennifer DoughertySixth Congressional District candidate Jennifer Dougherty (D-Frederick) slammed Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Frederick) for his opposition to H.R. 5613, the Medicaid Safety Net Act, which passed in the House of Representatives 349-62 on Wednesday.

The legislation will impose moratoria through April 1, 2009, on the implementation of seven rules issued by the Bush administration that would have reduced federal payments for rehabilitative, outpatient and administrative services offered by Medicaid by more than $15 billion over the next five years, according to a recent report by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The specific effect that the proposal would have had on Maryland was not specified in the report.

"It's a disgraceful and insulting vote to ignore the needs of Marylanders in these tough economic times," Dougherty said in a statement. "Bartlett supports making tax cuts for the wealthiest permanent, but thumbs his nose at people who truly need help. He is out of touch and shows poor judgment with votes like this."

Bartlett responded, telling PolitickerMD.com, "What is disgraceful and insulting is the Democratic leadership's refusal to bring this bill up under the regular process that would have allowed for extended debate and amendments rather than a process used for bills to name post offices and congratulate winning sports teams. Medicaid needs to be fixed and it is worth more time and attention. This bill may well force the next administration to borrow an additional $16-18 billion that must be repaid by our kids and grandkids."

All 221 Democrats who voted on the bill supported the legislation, while 128 of the 190 Republicans who voted cast an affirmative vote.

"It is so unfortunate to see him turn his heart against those who need help," Dougherty added. "This is another example of Bartlett's flawed logic where the rich are rewarded with tax cuts and the poor need to pay the price. If Bartlett thinks the strains on the economy are so great that we cannot afford to protect the neediest Americans, why does he support tax cuts for the rich or our continued presence in Iraq?"