Press Releases
Below are press releases on significant events in this session of Congress. Please click on one of the links below to jump to that month's floor statements.
September 2006(top)
- 09/27/2006: Stark Opening Remarks at Health Savings Accounts Markup
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's markup of HR 6134.
- 09/25/2006: Stark Calls for Intelligence Estimate Release
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today responded to news reports about the April 2006 National Intelligence Estimate (NIE).
- 09/21/2006: 88% Of New Medicare Drug Program Enrollees At Risk Of Falling Into The "Doughnut Hole"
Nearly 7 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who purchased stand-alone prescription drug coverage are now at risk of falling into the "doughnut hole."
- 09/12/2006: Stark Reponds to Boehner's Remarks
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today responded to Majority Leader John Boehner's comments about Democrats' commitment to keep America safe.
- 09/11/2006: Stark Commemorates Fifth Anniversary Of 9/11 Attacks
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today reflected on the fifth anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
- 09/07/2006: Stark Reacts to Kaiser Survey
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today reacted to Kaiser Family Foundation surveys of pharmacists’ and physicians’ experiences with the Medicare prescription drug program.
- 09/07/2006: Ways And Means Democrats Call For Welfare Oversight
Representatives Pete Stark (D-CA), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), and Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), Democratic Members of the Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee, today wrote to Representative Wally Herger (R-CA), Chairman of the Subcommittee, to request oversight hearings on new regulations that limit states’ abilities to assist poor families under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
- 09/05/2006: Stark Wishes McClellan Good Night, And Good Luck
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to Mark McClellan’s decision to step down as Medicare Administrator.
August 2006(top)
- 08/30/2006: Stark Responds To Rumsfeld’s Remarks
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today criticized Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for comparing critics of the War in Iraq to Hitler appeasers.
- 08/30/2006: Stark, Becerra, And Thompson Call On Schwarzenegger To Develop A Child Welfare Disaster Plan
U.S. Representatives Pete Stark (CA-13), Xavier Becerra (CA-31), and Mike Thompson (CA-1) today called on California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to develop and implement a comprehensive child welfare disaster plan.
- 08/29/2006: Forty-Seven Million Americans Lack Health Insurance
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to the release of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2005 report on Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage.
- 08/14/2006: GAO Report Finds Significant Increases In Military Recruiting Violations
A new GAO report released today by Representatives Pete Stark (CA-13) and Vic Snyder (AR-2) finds significant increases in the number of alleged, substantiated, and criminal violations by military recruiters.
- 08/09/2006: Stark To Hold Town Meetings On A New Direction For America
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) plans to speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings on Saturday, August 12 in Newark and San Leandro.
July 2006(top)
- 07/19/2006: Stark To Hold Town Meetings On
Saturday, July 22, 2006
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) plans to speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings on Saturday, July 22nd in Fremont, Hayward, and Alameda.
- 07/18/2006: Stark Opposes Federal Marriage Amendment
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) today issued the following statement in opposition to a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage: "I rise in strong opposition to House Joint Resolution 88, the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment, which proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex couples from getting married or receiving any of the rights of marriage.
- 07/18/2006: GAO Finds The Bush Administration's Faith-Based Initiative Lacks Safeguards Against Religious Discrimination
A new Government Accountability Office report released today by U.S. Representatives Pete Stark (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) finds that the Bush Administration offers inadequate safeguards against discrimination in federally funded social services programs carried out by faith-based organizations.
- 07/13/2006: Stark Supports Voting Rights Act Renewal
This historic legislation has eliminated the most blatant forms of discrimination in voting practices and continues to send a strong message that American voters of all races have the full support and enforcement of the United States government behind them when they exercise a basic democratic right.
- 7/10/2007: New Gao Report Finds Medicare Drug Plan Hotlines Provide Seniors With Incomplete And Inaccurate Information
A new GAO report released today by Rep. Pete Stark, Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Rep. John D. Dingell, Rep. Charles B. Rangel, and Rep. Sherrod Brown finds that the call centers run by private Medicare drug plans provide inaccurate and incomplete information most of the time.
June 2006(top)
- 06/29/2006: Stark Opposes Offshore Drilling
This bill simultaneously endangers our coasts and delays an urgently needed transformation to a clean energy economy. I vote no to yet another Republican attempt to maintain our oil addiction.
- 06/29/2006: Stark Opposes Republican Attacks on the Media
If this Congress spent half as much time doing oversight as it did criticizing those who dare question their government, we wouldn’t have to find out what our government is doing on the front page of the New York Times.
- 6/29/2006: Stark Sercures Increased Funding for Child Welfare Case Workers
The House Ways and Means Committee today marked up and approved the Child and Family Services Improvement Act of 2006 (HR 5640), of which U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) is an original cosponsor. The legislation authorizes appropriations for child welfare services and the safe and stable families program, which helps state governments pay for services that protect children, prevent or eliminate the need for out-of-home placements, and promote family strength and stability.
- 6/29/2006: Stark Congratulates Art Contest Winner
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) yesterday hosted Moreau Catholic High School student Jeremy Nguyen, winner of the 25th Annual Congressional Arts Competition for California’s Thirteenth Congressional District. Nguyen’s painting, titled “The Point,” was selected in a districtwide competition and is currently on display in the hallway between the Cannon House Office building and the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.
- 6/27/2006:House Passes Stark-Burton Flood Insurance Amendment
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted by voice vote an amendment to the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act (H.R. 4973) authored by U.S. Representatives Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) and Dan Burton (R-IN, 5th). Their amendment requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide written notification to each property owner affected by a proposed change in flood maps.
- 06/22/2006: Stark Opposes Estate Tax Repeal
A cartoonist couldn’t draw a clearer illustration of the Republicans’ misguided priorities. Though 46 million Americans lack health insurance and millions of children are denied access to quality education, Republicans insist on enriching those who least need our assistance.
- 6/20/2006: Stark Repsonds to Families USA Report on Drug Prices
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to a new study on drug prices by Families USA. The report, entitled "Big Dollars, Little Sense: Rising Medicare Prescription Drug Prices," found that Medicare prescription drug prices are increasing at a rate nearly identical to changes in the Average Wholesale Price (AWP) established by drug manufactures.
- 6/15/2006: Leavitt Flying High on Taxpayers' Dime
Senior Ways and Means Committee Democrats Pete Stark (D-CA, 13) and John Lewis (D-GA, 5) today questioned Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt's use of a costly Centers for Disease Control (CDC) jet for public relations stops to promote the Bush prescription drug program.
- 6/14/2006: STARK TO HOLD TOWN MEETINGS
Saturday, June 17, 2006
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) plans to speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings on Saturday, June 17th in Union City, San Leandro, and Alameda.
- 6/07/2006: Stark Supports Air Traffic Controllers
Pete Stark (D-Fremont) today issued the following statement in support of America's air traffic controllers."I strongly support putting a stop to the Federal Aviation Administration’s abusive and dishonest tactics in negotiating a new contract with the nation’s air traffic controllers.
- 6/06/2006: Stark Spotlights Medicare HMO Overpayments MedPAC confirms excessive Medicare Advantage reimbursement
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, today responded to new data released by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) confirming that Medicare continues to grossly overpay HMOs to provide Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
May 2006 (top)
- 5/25/2006: Statement of Representative Pete Stark
In Opposition to Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-Fremont) today issued the following statement in opposition to Republican legislation to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
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- 5/24/06: Statement of Congressman Pete Stark at the Health Subcommittee Mark-Up of H.R. 4157
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement during today’s mark-up of H.R. 4157.
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- 5/19/06: Congress Examines Process Used to Accredit Hospitals
Members of Congress this week asked the Commission responsible for assessing the safety of America's hospitals and, in turn, determining the eligibility of hospitals to participate in the Medicare program, to answer questions about the relationship between the Commission and a subsidiary corporation and to account for the results of its new accreditation process.
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- 5/18/06: Stark Statment on Republican Budget
Representative Pete Stark (D-Fremont) today responded to the immoral and reckless Republican budget.
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- 5/17/06: Stark Letter on Oversight of the Medicare Prescription Drug Program
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today sent the following response to CMS Administrator Mark McClellan's letter on Part D oversight.
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- 5/16/06: Stark to Republicans on Encouraging Enrollment: Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to Republican claims that Democrats encouraged seniors and people with disabilities not to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.
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- 5/15/06: Stark to Johnson on Waiving Johnson-Created Penalty: Too Little Too Late
Representative Pete Stark, Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today criticized Representative Nancy Johnson’s partial change of heart on the penalties for late enrollment in a Medicare Part D drug plan.
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- 5/11/06: Prescription Drug Myths Vs. Reality
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee with jurisdiction over Medicare, issued the following fact sheet debunking Administration spin on the prescription drug program.
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- 5/10/06: Republicans Show Their True Colors
Today, House Republicans, lead by Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Johnson (CT-5), brought forth a meaningless resolution to encourage Medicare beneficiaries who have yet to sign up for a prescription drug plan to enroll before the May 15 deadline. About nine million seniors and people with disabilities continue to lack prescription drug coverage.
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- 5/10/06: Stark Attacks Republicans for Stealing From the Poor and Giving to the Rich
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), one of two House Democrats appointed to the tax reconciliation conference committee, issued the following statement in opposition to H.R. 4297, the tax reconciliation conference report.
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- 5/10/06: Stark Goes Searching for Missing Beneficiaries
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee with jurisdiction over Medicare, issued the following statement in response to CMS’ latest enrollment numbers for the prescription drug program.
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- 5/9/06: Stark Letter on Medicare Part D Resolution
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today sent the following letter to his Democratic colleagues in anticipation of a Republican resolution on the Medicare prescription drug program.
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- 5/4/06: Opening Remarks at Medicare Part D Hearings Called by Ways and Means Democrats
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on Medicare Part D implementation. Ways and Means Democrats yesterday invoked Rule XI, forcing the Republican Majority to schedule an additional day of hearings on the issue.
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- 5/3/06: Democrats Invoke Rule XI
Using one of the few rights afforded to the minority party in Congress, Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and his Democratic colleagues today invoked Rule 11 to request an additional day of hearings on the Medicare prescription drug program. The majority must comply with Rule 11 inquiries, but gets to determine the date and time of the hearing. Responding to Democrats' request, the majority has abruptly scheduled the additional hearing for tomorrow, Thursday, May 4 at 2 p.m. in 1100 Longworth House Office Building.
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- 5/3/06: Opening Remarks at Hearing on Part D Implementation
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
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- 5/3/06: New GAO Report Finds Widespread Problems With Information Provided By Bush Administration About New Medicare Drug Benefit
A new GAO report released today by Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Rep. John D. Dingell, Rep. Charles B. Rangel, Rep. Pete Stark, and Rep. Sherrod Brown finds that the information provided by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services about the complicated new drug benefit is rife with problems. According to GAO, the federal handbooks, website, and 1-800 Medicare hotline failed to provide information that was “consistently clear, complete, accurate, and usable.”
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- 5/2/06: Stark Criticizes White House Tax Agreement
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), one of two House Democrats appointed to the tax reconciliation conference committee, issued the following statement in response to the agreement that was today reached by President Bush and congressional Republicans.
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- 5/1/06: Stark Criticizes Republican Scare Tactics
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) issued the following statement in response to the 2006 reports of the Board of Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds.
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- 5/1/06: Stark Calls for and End to the Iraq War
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), a member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, issued the following statement on the third anniversary of President Bush’s aircraft carrier landing and “Mission Accomplished” address.
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April 2006 (top)
- 4/28/06: Trustees Should Not Sign 2006 Social Security / Medicare Report
Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Stark and Social Subcommittee Ranking Member Sander Levin sent the following letter to President Bush today outlining their grave concern regarding the preparation of the 2006 reports of the Board of Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds. Specifically, Ranking Members Stark and Levin question the Administration's unprecedented recess appointments of John L. Palmer and Thomas R. Saving to serve a second term as public trustees of the Social Security and Medicare programs, and its effect on the pending 2006 reports.
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- 04/27/06: Stark Joins Lawsuit Against Bush Administration
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) will tomorrow join Representative John Conyers, Jr. (MI-14) and nine House colleagues in bringing legal action to enjoin implementation of the “Deficit Reduction Act.”
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- 04/27/06: Stark Praises New CMS Drug Policy
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a new rule that would protect beneficiaries from sudden formulary changes. As enacted, the Medicare prescription drug program allowed insurance plans to remove drugs from formularies and cease paying for beneficiaries’ necessary prescriptions.
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- 04/26/06: House Democrats Send Letter to HHS Urging Disclosure of Prescription Drug Call Center Performance Data
Representatives John D. Dingell, Charles B. Rangel, Pete Stark, Henry A. Waxman, Sherrod Brown and Jan Schakowsky sent a letter today to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services fully disclose information collected at taxpayers' expense about the performance of Part D prescription drug plan “call centers.”
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- 04/21/06: Stark Statement on Earth Day
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today released the following statement in honor of the 36th anniversary of Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, 2006. "Earth Day is an important opportunity to reflect on our moral obligation to ensure that future generations inherit a clean and healthy environment,” said Rep. Stark. “As the world’s richest and most powerful nation, America should serve as a global model for environmental protection."
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- 04/20/06: Stark Notes the Death of a Salesman
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today cited CMS’ latest Medicare prescription drug enrollment numbers as evidence that the Bush Administration’s numerous town meetings to promote the program are failing. Although the Administration initially projected 40.7 million seniors and people with disabilities would sign-up in 2006, only 26.5 million beneficiaries currently have prescription drug coverage through Part D or through an employer who is receiving a Medicare subsidy. Less than nine million beneficiaries have enrolled voluntarily.
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- 04/20/06: Recess Appointments for Trustees Send Wrong Signal Administration's actions undermine its credibility on Social Security and Medicare stewardship
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today welcomed Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland. Stark commended Leavitt for extending the May 15 enrollment deadline for Medicare beneficiaries with incomes below 150 percent of the poverty line and limited assets. But Stark cautioned that unless the deadline is extended for everyone, millions of beneficiaries will lack prescription drug coverage for seven months and pay higher premiums for life.
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- 04/20/06: Stark Welcomes HHS Secretary Leavitt to San Francisco's East Bay
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today welcomed Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland. Stark commended Leavitt for extending the May 15 enrollment deadline for Medicare beneficiaries with incomes below 150 percent of the poverty line and limited assets. But Stark cautioned that unless the deadline is extended for everyone, millions of beneficiaries will lack prescription drug coverage for seven months and pay higher premiums for life.
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- 04/11/06: Congress Calls for Leavitt to Pay States Back
Today, U.S. Representatives Rahm Emanuel (IL), Charles Rangel (NY), John D. Dingell (MI), Henry Waxman (CA), Pete Stark (CA), Sherrod Brown (OH), Rosa DeLauro (CT), Benjamin Cardin (MD) and Frank Pallone (NJ) released a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Michael Leavitt calling on him to release the funding that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) promised 46 states.
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- 04/04/06: Stark Criticizes Misguided Republican Percription Drug Program
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today criticized Republican public relations efforts to laud the success of their prescription drug program.
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- 04/04/06: Stark, McDermott, Inslee, and Bean Introduce Bill to Protect Taxpayer Privacy
U.S. Representatives Pete Stark, Jim McDermott, Jay Inslee, and Melissa Bean today introduced the Taxpayer Privacy Act. Representatives Stark and McDermott are senior members of the Committee on Ways and Means with jurisdiction over U.S. tax policy. The bill prevents the sale and distribution of confidential taxpayer information and prohibits tax preparers from sending returns overseas to be processed.
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March 2006 (top)
- 03/29/06: Stark to Hold Town Meetings Saturday, April 1, 2006
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) will speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings this Saturday, April 1st in Newark, Hayward, and Alameda.
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- 03/23/06: Stark Cites Latest Medicare Part D Enrollment Numbers as Further Evidence of Drug Bill Shortcomings
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today cited CMS’ latest Medicare Part D enrollment numbers as additional evidence that the Republican prescription drug bill is unnecessarily confusing, complex, and costly. Nearly 16 million Americans, or more than 36 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries, remain without coverage.
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- 03/09/06: Statement by Congressman Pete Stark Introducing the Trade Sanction Avoidance Act
U.S. Representative Pete Stark, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee that oversees U.S. trade policy, yesterday introduced the Trade Sanction Avoidance Act (H.R. 4909). This legislation would enable a myriad of American industries to avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in trade sanctions.
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- 03/08/06: Stark to Hold Town Meetings
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) plans to speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings this Saturday, March 11th in Fremont and San Leandro.
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- 03/06/06: Bay Area Congressional Delegation Releases Report Showing High Costs for Bay Area Seniors Under Medicare Drug Plans
U.S. Representatives Pete Stark, Nancy Pelosi, George Miller, Tom Lantos, Lynn Woolsey, Zoe Lofgren, Ellen Tauscher, Barbara Lee, Mike Thompson and Mike Honda, the Bay Area’s Democratic delegation in the House of Representatives, today released a report demonstrating how the Medicare drug program has failed to provide meaningful drug discounts for Bay Area seniors. The House Government Reform Committee’s Democratic staff produced the report.
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February 2006 (top)
- 02/24/06: Stark Responds to CMS's Request for Suggestions on How to Simplify the Prescriptioin Drug Benefit
U.S. Representative Pete Stark, ranking member on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today praised the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for recognizing the vital need to simplify the Part D prescription drug program. Rep. Stark suggested the appropriate simplification would be to add a real drug benefit within Medicare.
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- 02/17/06: Ways and Means Must Join Others In Oversight of Medicare Part D
Senior Ways and Means Democratic Members Charles B. Rangel and Pete Stark today repeated their request that Chairman Thomas uphold the committee's duty and conduct oversight on Medicare Part D. Previous requests have been delivered to Health Subcommittee Chairman Johnson and Full Committee Chairman Thomas in June and October of 2005 respectively. read more
- 02/14/06: Stark Sends Valentine's Card to America's Seniors
Stark, Ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today criticized wasteful spending by the Bush Administration and released a spoof of a Department of Health and Human Services’ advertisement in the February 13th edition of People magazine. read more
- 02/14/06: Stark Introduces Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act
Stark today introduced the Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act of 2006. This legislation recognizes the brave act of organ donation by making each donor or donor family eligible to receive a commemorative Congressional medal. read more
- 02/09/06: Stark to HHS Secretary Leavitt
Stark, Emanuel Call on Leavitt to Explain Why the Administration Left Over $50 Billion in Budget Savings on the Table. read more
- 02/09/06: Stark Hires New Press Secretary
U.S. Representative Pete Stark announced that he has hired Yoni Cohen as his new press secretary. read more
- 02/08/06: Stark to Hold Town Meetings, Saturday, February 11, 2006
U.S. Representative Pete Stark plans to speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings this Saturday, February 11th, in Fremont, San Lorenzo and Alameda. read more
- 02/08/06: HHS Secretary Leavitt States that Managed Care Plans Should Operate Under the Same Price Structure as Other Providers
In a hearing today before the Ways and Means Committee, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark, Ranking Democrat on the Health Subcommittee, questioned Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt as to whether managed care plans, or “Medicare Advantage” plans, should be paid more than fee-for-service Medicare. Secretary Leavitt responded that all plans, “should operate under the same price structure as other providers.” read more
- 02/07/06: Democrats Offer Plan to Provide Health Insurance for All
Recently, leading House Democrats introduced the “Medicare for All Act,” H.R. 4683, a bill that would make healthcare coverage available to every American by expanding the Medicare program to those under age 65. This legislation would give people the option of choosing health insurance coverage through Medicare or any of the plans available to Members of Congress, the President of the United States, and Federal employees. read more
- 02/07/06: Stark Introduces the "Perscription Drug Safety and Affordability Act"
Stark bill would eliminate tax incentives that encourage the pharmaceutical industry to spend money lobbying doctors rather than reducing prices or conducting research. read more
- 02/02/06: New GAO Report Raises Concerns about President's Health Care Proposals Report Highlights Risks of Health Savings Accounts
Senior House Democrats Pete Stark and Henry A. Waxman today released a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) comparing enrollees in Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) with enrollees in the traditional Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). read more
- 02/01/06: Stark Introduces Resolution Investigating the Removal of Two Visitors from the House Gallery during President Bush's State of the Union Address
Today, Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) introduced a resolution calling for an investigation into the removal of Cindy Sheehan and Beverly Young from the House Gallery during President Bush’s State of the Union address last night. read more
January 2006 (top)
- 1/30/06: Providing Seniors with Emergency Relief for Perscription Drugs
Today House Democrats announced legislation to provide emergency relief to senior citizens and people with disabilities who are having trouble navigating the new Medicare prescription drug program. read more
- 1/26/06: Stark: "Medicare Drug Plans Don't Meet the Needs of Low-Income Beneficiaries"
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) today responded to a report by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General showing that many of the new Medicare drug plans don't cover the drugs low-income beneficiaries need. read more
- 1/26/06: Democrats to Hastert: Must Reimburse States for Medicare Expense
U.S. Representatives John D. Dingell (D-MI), Henry A. Waxman (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Pete Stark (D-CA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) released the following letter to Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL) highlighting the importance of assuring that states are fully reimbursed for their effort to ensure that low-income seniors and people with disabilities get their prescription drugs. read more
- 1/26/06: Stark Call for Immediate Investigation of Humana and Other Medicare Drug Plans
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) today called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate the apparent illegal marketing practices of Humana andother prescription drug plan sponsors. read more
December 2005 (top)
- 12/16/05: Stark Condemns Bush Administration Illegally Spying on US Citizens
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) today condemned reports that the Bush Administration has been illegally spying on US citizens since 2002...read more
- 12/14/05: House Democrats, WHCoA Delegates Call on Congress to Extend Drug Benefit Enrollment Deadline Before Holidays
U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Pete Stark (D-CA), Marion Berry (D-AR), Tom Allen (D-ME), and Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), House sponsors of Medicare legislation, today joined delegates from the White House Conference on Aging for a roundtable discussion on the confusing new Medicare drug benefit....read more
- 12/13/05: Stark Participates in National E-Hearing to Address the U.S. Automobile Crisis
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) made the following statement to open "The American Automobile Industry in Crisis," a national e-hearing...read more
- 12/13/05: Stark Introduces Legislation to Increase Doc Payments and Create a Permanenet Fix to Medicare's Payment Formula
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) today introduced the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2005. The bill provides for a 1.5% increase for the next two years for physicians and sets a path to a permanent solution to Medicare's physician payment formula problems.....read more
- 12/8/05: Stark Objects to Republican Tax Breaks for Millionaires
Today, U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) gave the following statement in objection to H.R. 4297, a tax break benefiting the wealthiest Americans at the expense of those who have the least....read more
November 2005 (top)
- 11/18/05: Stark Votes Against Political Stunt
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) today voted against a political stunt posted by Republican leaders in an effort to embarrass a decorated Vietnam War Veteran. His statement follows.....read more
- 11/17/05: Stark to Hold Town Meetings Saturday
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-Fremont) plans to speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings this Saturday, November 19th, in Union City, Hayward and Alameda....read more
- 11/15/05: Medicare Drug Program Enrollment Begins Today, Confusion Among Beneficiaries Remains High
Today, U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) noted the high level of confusion associated with the new Medicare drug program. Medicare beneficiaries can begin to enroll in the new Medicare drug programs today....read more
- 11/09/05: Stark Announces Funding for District Projects
Today, U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) announced nearly $2 million in local programs and projects for California’s 13th district...read more
- 11/01/05: Stark Thanks Tax Panel for Recommendations on Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits
Today, U.S. Rep Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) released the following statement in reference to the President’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform recommendation to cap the amount that employers can exclude from taxes for the provision of health insurance for their employees...read more
October 2005 (top)
- 10/26/05: Ways and Means Republicans Choose HMOs Over Working Moms and Children
Today, an amendment to take savings from Medicare HMO overpayments instead of programs to help poor working moms and children was voted out of order by some on the Ways and Means Committee...read more
- 10/26/05: Stark Statement on Budget Reconciliation
WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) released the following statement today in reference to the cuts being discussed during the Ways and Means Committee budget reconciliation markup...read more
- 10/24/05: Stark to Address Fremont High School Government Classes
WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) will speak to the combined senior government classes at John F. Kennedy High School in Fremont on Monday, October 24th. Stark will cover a variety of issues and take questions from the students...read more
- 10/20/05: Stark Objects to Granting Gun Manufacturers, Dealers Exemptions from Lawsuits
WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) gave the following statement in objection to S.397, a bill which would provide gun makers, dealers and trade associations special exemptions from lawsuits...read more
- 10/18/05: Stark to Hold Town Meetings - Help with New Medicare Drug Program on Agenda
WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) will hold two town meetings this Saturday, October 22nd, to direct residents of California’s 13th district to independent groups that can answer questions about the new Medicare drug program. As always, Stark will also be available at these meetings to answer questions on other important issues...read more
- 10/17/05: Stark to Speak on Bipartisan, Mental Health Bill: Keeping Families Together Act
WASHINGTON Tomorrow, U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) will join the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law at a briefing on the findings of a new report by the Alliance for the Safe, Therapeutic and Appropriate Use of Residential Treatment (A START)...read more
- 10/07/05: Stark Objects to Republican Energy Bill That Does Nothing to Lower Gas Prices; Hurts Environment
WASHINGTON Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released specific state-by-state information on the Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage plans that will participate in the new Medicare Part D drug program...read more
- 10/07/05: Stark: "Gainsharing Hearing Misguided"
WASHINGTON At today’s Health Subcommittee hearing on “gainsharing,” Ranking Democrat Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) gave the following statement:...read more
September 2005 (top)
- 9/30/05: Stark Comments on Drug Plans
WASHINGTON Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released specific state-by-state information on the Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage plans that will participate in the new Medicare Part D drug program...read more
- 9/29/05: Stark Objects to Weakening of the Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) voted against H.R 3824, the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act, because it is nothing more than an assault on our environment. ...read more
- 9/29/05: Stark Opposes Repeal of SGR
WASHINGTON At today’s Health Subcommittee hearing on the HR 3617, Ranking Democrat Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) called for additional work on the physician payment system and announced support for targeted relief...read more
- 9/22/05: Stark, Schakowsky Introduce Bill to Ease Medicare Drug Implementation for Beneficiaries
WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Reps. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL, 9th) introduced legislation, “The Medicare Informed Choice Act” (MICA), aimed at easing the implementation of the new Medicare prescription drug program for more than 40 million Medicare beneficiaries...read more
- 9/16/05: GAO Study Shows Failure to Address Domestic Violence
WASHINGTON Yesterday, a GAO report requested by U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) and U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) was released showing state and federal agencies are paying little, if any, attention to the issue of domestic violence among welfare recipients...read more
- 9/15/05: Stark Objects to Partisan Hurricane Katrina Committee
WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) gave the following statement in objection to H.Res 437, a resolution establishing a partisan committee to investigate the preparation for and response to Hurricane Katrina...read more
- 9/15/05: Stark Participates in Hearing to Remove Troops From Iraq
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) participated in a hearing on Capitol Hill exploring ways to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq...read more
- 9/13/05: Stark, Spratt Lead Efforts to Save Medicare Nearly $1 Billion
WASHINGTON - U.S. Reps. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) and John M. Spratt Jr. (D-SC, 5th) announced that through diligent work, their staffs uncovered errors in payments to HMOs offering Medicare Advantage plans, and the Congressmen requested that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) review these overpayments...read more
August 2005 (top)
July 2005 (top)
- 7/29/05: Stark Puts Seniors on Alert: Republicans Look to Score Political Points by 'Selling' Medicare Drug Plans
U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) warned all Americans today to be on their toes as the Republican Party and health care industry lobbyists have announced a PR campaign to induce seniors to sign up for the new Medicare drug bill...read more
- 7/28/05: Stark Lands $13 Million for 13th District
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) will announce more than $13 million in highway, public transportation and recreational projects for California's 13th Congressional District...read more
- 7/28/05: Stark Votes Against 'Shameful' Energy Bill
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) voted against the Energy Policy Act of 2005 conference report...read more
- 7/27/05: Stark Speaks Out Against CAFTA
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) entered the following statement into the record in opposition to the upcoming vote on the U.S. - Central America Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)...read more
- 7/26/05: Stark Opposes Small Business Health Fairness Act
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) voted against the Small Business Health Fairness Act the fourth AHP bill in as many years. It passed the House by a vote of 263-165...read more
- 7/22/05: Stark Speaks Out Against Patriot Act
Last night, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) voted against the USA PATRIOT Act. ....read more
- 7/21/05: Stark to Hold Town Meetings Saturday
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-Fremont) will speak to residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings this Saturday, July 23, in Fremont, San Leandro and Alameda....read more
- 7/14/05: Head of CMS Either Doesn't Know Details or is Intentionally Misleading Seniors About New Medicare Program
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) asked Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mark McClellan to set the record straight about inaccurate comments the Secretary made at a New Hampshire rally regarding drug plan options in Medicare...read more
- 7/12/05: Report Shows Bush Social Security Plan Would Cut 13th District Residents' Benefits by $21 Billion
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) released a Congressional report showing a quarter of a million employees making more than $20,000 per year in California’s 13th Congressional district would have their Social Security benefits cut under the President’s proposed changes to the program....read more
- 7/1/05: Stark Statement on 143 New Medicare Advantage Plans
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) released the following statement regarding the announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that 143 new Medicare Advantage plans will provide services in 2005...read more
- 7/1/05: Stark Statement on Justice O'Connor's Retirement
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) released the following statement regarding the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor...read more
June 2005 (top)
- 6/30/05: Stark Opposes Funding Cuts to Housing, Community Development Projects
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont) voted against the spending bill for the Departments of Treasury, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, the District of Columbia, the judiciary, general government and related agencies...read more
- 6/30/05: Stark Introduces Paid Family Leave Act
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) with Reps. George Miller (D-CA, 7th) and Major Owens (D-NY, 11th) introduced a bill to provide up to 12 weeks of wages to workers who take time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)...read more
- 6/29/05: Stark Opposes Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, DC- Late last night, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont) voted against the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006...read more
- 6/28/05: Stark Reacts to Bush's Speech on Iraq
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont) commented on President Bush’s speech on Iraq...read more
- 6/24/05: Stark Votes Against Inadequate Health, Labor and Education Bill
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont) voted against the funding bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education for 2006 because it severely underfunds priorities in education, health, worker protections and many other key areas...read more
- 6/23/05: Stark, Senator Rockefeller Introduce MediKids
WASHINGTON, DC -- US Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13) and Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) today introduced legislation to provide health insurance to every child...read more
- 6/22/05: Stark Votes Against Constitutional Amendment
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont) voted against a Constitutional amendment to ban desecration of the flag. It passed the House by a vote of 286-130....read more
- 6/21/05: Stark To Host Online Town Meeting
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13) today announced he will host an E-Town Meeting to discuss Social Security on Tuesday, June 28th from Noon - 1:00 PM PDT (3:00 - 4:00 PM EDT)...read more
- 6/20/05: Stark Opposes Defense Bill
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont) voted against “The Department of Defense Appropriations Bill Fiscal Year 2006,” a bill appropriating funds to the Department of Defense...read more
- 6/17/05: Stark Responds to Bush's Medicare Rhetoric
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13) released a statement today regarding the President's attempts to raise support for his Medicare reform bill...read more
- 6/15/05: Stark Moves to Block CAFTA Without Access to Generic Drugs for CAFTA Countries
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13) and Rahm Emanuel (D-IL, 5th) will offer an amendment today to block passage of CAFTA if Congress and the President do not agree to drop an article which limits generic drug access to Central American countries...read more
- 6/14/05: Stark Congratulates Art Competition Winner
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13) today hosted the 24th Annual Congressional Arts Competition winner, 17-year old Afu Chan from San Leandro High School, in Washington, DC...read more
- 6/7/05: AARP to Profit From New Medicare Drug Law
AARP has submitted a proposal with UnitedHealth Group to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer a prescription drug plan under Medicare...read more
- 6/1/05: Stark to Hold Town Meetings Saturday, June 4
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-Fremont) will speak to residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings this Saturday, June 4th, in Union City and San Leandro...read more
May 2005 (top)
- 5/26/05: Reps Stark, Leach, Senator Mikulski, Offer Addeed Mental Health Options to Medicare Beneficiaries
Today, Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) and Rep. Jim Leach (R-IA) introduced the Clinical Social Work Medicare Equity Act...read more
- 5/26/05: Stark Calls for GAO Investigation Into Improper, Illegal Military Recruiting
Yesterday, US Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) offered an amendment to the 2006 Defense Authorization bill requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report to Congress several aspects of illegal and improper military recruiting tactics...read more
- 5/25/05: Stark Joins Colleagues to Comment on Senate Filibuster Deal
Today, US Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) joined several colleagues of the Congressional Progressive Caucus to comment on the deal some U.S. Senators struck to avoid a filibuster over judicial nominations...read more
- 5/24/05: Stark Speaks Out For Expanded Stem Cell Research
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont) voted for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, a bill authorizing expanded federal funding for stem cell research and increasing the number of stem cell lines eligible for research...read more
- 5/20/05: Stark: Special Counsel Needed to Investigate Illegal Military Recruitment
Today, US Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont), along with several colleagues in the US House, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales calling on him to appoint a special counsel to investigate improper activities by military recruiters...read more
- 5/17/05: Stark Speaks Out Against the Administration's Latest Hypocrisy
Mr. Speaker, the pot is calling the kettle black. The Administration is chastising Newsweek magazine for a story containing a fact that turned out to be false. This is the same Administration that lied to the Congress, the United Nations and the American people by fabricating reasons to send us to war...read more
- 5/11/05: Stark to Hold Town Meetings Saturday
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-Fremont) will speak to residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings this Saturday, May 14th, in Fremont and Hayward...read more
- 5/10/05: Stark Works to Save Pensions
Today, U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont), joined by United Airlines employees, union officials and colleagues in Congress, spoke out on behalf of United Employees at risk of losing 30 to 60 percent of their pensions..read more
- 5/04/05: Stark, Democrats Introduce Legislative Package to Help More Than 20 Million of the Nation's Uninsured
As part of "Cover the Uninsured Week," House Democrats announced the introduction of three legislative measures which could cut the number of uninsured Americans by half...read more
April 2005 (top)
March 2005 (top)
February 2005 (top)
January 2005 (top)
Press Release Archives
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