Rep. Heck on bipartisan "doc fix' agreement: "Congress shows signs of life, proves they can get something done"

Below is a statement from Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) following the news of a bipartisan agreement in the House of Representatives on fixing the Medicare Payment Formula, extending the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as well as reauthorizing additional Medicare and health care programs that were set to expire on March 31, 2015:

"South Sounders might do a double take, but the U.S. House of Representatives has reached a suitable compromise to fix the flawed formula that determines Medicare payments to doctors. This new framework will provide certainty to seniors for years to come.

"I applaud both Speaker Boehner and Leader Pelosi for finding a deal that worked for the pragmatic wings of our parties. Finally Congress shows signs of life, and proved that we can get something done despite our differences. I'd also like to emphasize how important long-term solutions like this are, rather than short-term, temporary patches. The Senate should act immediately to pass this deal.

"Let's stay at the table and build other permanent solutions like molding a strong and resilient Highway Trust Fund, securing the American manufacturing promise of the Export-Import Bank, ending sequestration forever and passing a federal budget that works for all Americans."

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