[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 70 (Wednesday, May 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SEQUESTER REPLACEMENT RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2012

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                               speech of

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thurday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, the recent vote in support of the H.R. 
5652--Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act was a necessary vote to 
deliver on our promise to bring an end to the fiscal nightmare in 
Washington. We promised to restore a better future for of children and 
grandchildren and the action we recently took delivers on that promise.
  Section 204 of H.R. 5652 reversed two Medicaid provisions affecting 
the U.S. territories--increases in both the federal match rate and the 
cap on federal Medicaid spending--created in Obamacare. While I fully 
support a repeal of Obamacare, I also understand the rationale for 
these provisions addressed a disparity in the treatment of U.S. 
territories under Medicaid going back decades. Prior to the changes, 
Puerto Rico paid 80 percent of its share of Medicaid, even though it 
has a population of almost 4 million and a poverty level percentage 
similar to the state of Mississippi. Unlike the 50 states, where no 
U.S. state pays more than 50 percent of its share, the territories 
operate under a different reimbursement formula. The adjustment in the 
Medicaid payments to territories helped to close this gap.
  It is imperative for Members to recognize the importance of increased 
Medicaid funding to the territories, especially given the deep respect 
we share for our fellow U.S. citizens. I urge my colleagues to ensure 
equitable Medicaid funding to the territories as we move forward during 
this necessary budgetary negotiations.

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