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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.
November 2008(top)
October 2008(top)
- 2008-10-22: STARK CALLS ON CMS TO CURB GROWING BROKER COMMISSIONS IN MA PLANS
In a letter, he urges CMS to act to prevent Medicare Advantage plans from gaming new broker fee regulations, that were designed to end the financial incentive for brokers to coerce beneficiaries to switch plans each year.
- 2008-10-21: The Accidental Atheist: From Hippie to Humanist in Half a Century
Stark was named the 2008 Humanist of the Year by the American Humanist Association for his strong support for the separation of church and state and for religious freedom.
- 2008-10-09: STARK TO HOLD ECONOMIC FORUM, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18th
Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) will hold a forum on Saturday, October 18th to discuss the state of the economy and what government can or should do now. He will be joined by representatives from the banking, labor, and business communities who will present their views.
- REP. STARK STATEMENT OPPOSING BAILOUT LEGISLATION
I will be voting no on this bill. I recently read in the press that eight out of ten of my colleagues know nothing about economics or banking. This bill shows that account is quite right.
- 2008-10-02: STARK STATEMENT ON SENATE PASSAGE OF STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES GIFT OF LIFE MEDAL ACT
The bill, introduced by Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI), and a bipartisan group of 44 legislators, creates a commemorative medal for organ donors and their families, recognizing the brave act of organ donation.
September 2008(top)
- 2008-09-29: REP. STARK STATEMENT IN OPPOSITION TO BAILOUT LEGISLATION
“There is no denying that we are facing an economic crisis of enormous proportion, but this bailout was not the right approach. Today’s vote is a clear signal that we must work together to provide a solution that is more focused on the families and homeowners who are being hurt by this recession.”
- 2008-09-26: STARK, SCHAKOWSKY INTRODUCE THE NURSING HOME TRANSPARENCY AND QUALITY OF CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2008
Bill increases nursing home transparency, puts patients first, improves staff training, and strengthens enforcement
- 2008-09-25: STARK, CAMP APPLAUD PASSAGE OF STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES GIFT OF LIFE MEDAL ACT
I am thrilled that the House passed the Gift of Life bill in honor and memory of Stephanie Tubbs Jones. This bill ensures that organ donors such as Stephanie are honored for their selfless act to give life to others. It is a fitting tribute to her lifetime of service.
- 2008-09-25: STARK, PALLONE RESPOND TO CMS RELEASE OF 2009 PART D PLAN OPTIONS
“Seniors in the Part D program have seen premium increases six times higher than employer-sponsored plans. We know the Part D benefit was designed to create maximum confusion for Medicare beneficiaries and maximum profits for private plans.”
- 2008-09-24: KAISER REPORT UNDERSCORES DANGER OF HEALTH “REFORM” PLANS THAT WOULD UNDERMINE EMPLOYER-SPONSORED COVERAGE
The report finds that 65% of employers offered health benefits in 2008 and 60% of workers have coverage through their employer, lower coverage rates than in 1999.
- 2008:09-23: HOUSE PASSES WELLSTONE-DOMENICI MENTAL HEALTH PARITY BILL
The bill prohibits discrimination in the provision of treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders when compared to coverage for treatment of medical and surgical disorders.
- 2008-09-19: STARK AND CAMP INTRODUCE THE STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES GIFT OF LIFE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL ACT
Bill creates a Congressional Medal for organ donors and their families
- 2008-09-18: STARK TO HOLD TOWN MEETINGS IN UNION CITY, SAN LEANDRO, AND ALAMEDA ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th, 2008
Likely topics include the steep downturn in the economy; House passage of comprehensive energy legislation; and what Congress plans to accomplish in the rest of this session.
- 2008-09-17: STARK STATEMENT OPPOSING RELAXED GUN LAWS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Congress has trampled on the District’s autonomy for long enough. The last thing D.C. needs is Congressional Members to repeatedly and unnecessarily intervene in issues specific to the District of Columbia.
- 2008-09-16: STARK SELECTS RODNEY CLARK OF FREMONT FOR “ANGELS IN ADOPTION" AWARD
Award allows Members of Congress to honor an individual from their community who enriches the lives of foster children and orphans.
- 2008-09-15: STARK INTRODUCES HEALTH-e INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT
Bill sets deadline for standards for HIT system developments, creates incentives for adoption, and includes strong rules for privacy protection.
August 2008(top)
July 2008(top)
- 2008-07-30: STARK & BECERRA INTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT IMMIGRANT FOSTER CHILDREN
This legislation would ensure abused and neglected immigrant children in our nation’s foster care system are able to take advantage of the law that allows them to adjust their immigration status.
- 2008-07-28: NEW GAO REPORT REVEALS CONTINUING PROBLEMS RESOLVING MEDICARE DRUG PLAN COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES
“This GAO report shows once again the problem of a privatized drug benefit. Because this benefit is only available through private companies, they have a greater interest in their profits than they do sharing data with CMS to ensure that patients get the medications they need,” said Rep. Stark.
- 2008-07-24: STARK TO HOLD TOWN MEETINGS IN UNION CITY, SAN LEANDRO AND ALAMEDA ON SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2008
The three meetings will allow constituents to ask questions about important national issues. Given recent news, likely topics include energy policy, Medicare, the housing crisis, the failing economy, and the War in Iraq.
- 2008-07-24: STARK STATEMENT ON HOUSE VOTE TO DEFUSE THE MEDICARE TRIGGER
We in Congress are the fiscal stewards of Medicare. In general, we’ve done well by the program over its lifetime, but there’s always more to do. When we enacted the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act earlier this month, we actually met the fiscal objectives of this trigger.
- 2008-07-24: STARK OPENING REMARKS AT HEARING ON
HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
I’m pleased to be here today for a hearing to discuss the importance of electronic medical records and the need to promote their adoption and use by the medical community.
- 2008-07-23: STARK SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO DISMISS MEDICARE TRIGGER
Trigger is a Republican Ploy to Dismantle Medicare
- 2008-07-22: STARK RESPONDS TO KICKOFF OF AHIP’S CAMPAIGN
America’s Health Insurance Plans’ new ‘Campaign for an American Solution’ rings as true as the tobacco industry’s efforts to end smoking. There is nothing grassroots about it. It is designed, financed, and coordinated through their Washington trade association with the singular goal of protecting their profits.
- 2008-07-15: STARK COMMENDS HOUSE FOR OVERWHELMING VOTE TO OVERRIDE MEDICARE BILL VETO
Today’s veto shows a callous disregard for America’s retirees, people with disabilities, and for physicians and other key providers who serve Medicare patients.
- 2008-07-15: STARK OPENING REMARKS AT HEARING ON LESSONS LEARNED FROM STATE HEALTH INITIATIVES
"My premise may still hold true, that the states will lead the way and bring the federal government kicking and screaming to the table. But there’s an important caveat. Instead of needing several states to achieve universal health care, we simply need several key states who are trying to meet that goal and can show us the way that, through a state and federal partnership, we can achieve that goal."
- 2008-07-11: STARK, MILLER, FARR INTRODUCE BILL TO ESTABLISH SAN FRANCISCO BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX
The bill would unite the Bay Area’s seven separate national wildlife refuges into a single wildlife complex in order to leverage greater federal funding for these unique habitats.
- 2008-07-11: STARK, RANGEL, DINGELL, PALLONE, AND CAPPS REQUEST GAO STUDY OF MEDICARE RAC PROGRAM
Given the substantial challenges that arose during the pilot program, and notwithstanding the significant changes to the program going forward, we believe it is important that the RAC experience be reviewed.
- 2008-07-10: STARK STATEMENT ON VETO-PROOF PASSAGE OF MEDICARE BILL IN SENATE
“Today, with a veto-proof majority, the Senate joined with the overwhelmingly bipartisan majority of the House to pass legislation"
June 2008(top)
- 2008-06-25: STARK, SMITH AND DODD INTRODUCE BILL TO HELP YOUTH RETAIN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES INTO ADULTHOOD
Too many young adults with mental illness are falling through the cracks of our fragmented mental health system.
- 2008-06-25: INSURANCE PLANS IN MEDICARE UNDERESTIMATE THEIR PROFITS WHEN BIDDING TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDICARE
GAO discovers that MA plans earned over $1 billion in additional profits
- 2008-06-24: REP. STARK, SENS. SMITH AND DODD TO EXPOSE BARRIERS TO YOUTH TRANSITIONING INTO THE ADULT MENTAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
They will join tomorrow to release the findings of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlighting the difficulties young adults with a mental illness face in transitioning from the child to adult services system.
- 2008-06-24: RANGEL, STARK COMMEND BIPARTISAN, VETO-PROOF MAJORITY FOR PASSING MEDICARE PACKAGE THAT PROTECTS AMERICA'S SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
With today’s overwhelming vote, the House has sent a clear message that the needs of physicians, seniors, people with disabilities, and small businesses are more important than the special interests of the health insurance industry
- 2008-06-12: STATEMENT OF REP. STARK SUPPORTING EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO JOBLESS WORKERS
Congress has a responsibility to mend our safety net and lessen the impact of unemployment.
- 2008-06-12: STARK AND CAMP INTRODUCE BILL TO DELAY DME COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROGRAM
I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan bill and look forward to working with my colleagues for its swift passage so that the program can be redesigned to meet the needs of patients, providers and taxpayers,” said Rep. Stark.
- 2008-06-11:STARK STATEMENT ON SENATE REPUBLICANS' MEDICARE BILL
"Rather than work on a bipartisan basis to develop a Medicare package that balances the needs of beneficiaries, providers, and taxpayers, Senate Republicans have chosen to protect the health insurance industry."
- 2008-06-10:STARK AND COUNTY HEALTH DIRECTOR JOIN IN EFFORT TO REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES
Dr. Anthony Iton testifies before Stark’s Health Subcommittee in Congress
- 2008-06-02: REP. STARK ANNOUNCES HEAD START GRANT FOR CHILD, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES OF UNION CITY
"This grant will help our community provide the high quality comprehensive services that we know young children need, so that they are prepared for entry to kindergarten."
May 2008(top)
- 2008-05-21: REP. STARK MEETS WITH TOP PHYSICS STUDENT FROM FREMONT
Marianna Mao of Fremont met with Rep. Stark as one of the activities of the U.S. Physics Team's training camp. Five students from the U.S. team will be chosen to represent the United States at an international physics competition.
- 2008-05-16: DEFENSE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO REP. STARK'S 5/16 LETTER
"I appreciate the swift response," said Rep. Stark. "However, if these officers were hoping for a lesson in how Congress ought to work, then perhaps the Iraq supplemental wasn't the best debate for them to witness."
- 2008-05-16: ETTER FROM REP. STARK TO SECRETARY GATES
ABOUT POSSIBLE ABUSE OF MILITARY OFFICERS' TIME
At a time when our nation is at war, our troops are over-extended, and the Administration is literally asking for emergency military spending, what good to the “war on terror” is having US Generals and other top ranked officers spending hours sitting in the gallery of the House of Representatives?
- 2008-05-14: STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN PETE STARK OPPOSING SHAM REFORM IN THE FARM BILL
Under current policy the top 10% of recipients received 75% of all subsidies, while 67% of farms receive nothing. This is not good for rural communities, small farms, or taxpayers.
- 2008-05-14: STARK OPENING REMARKS AT HEARING ON HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLANS
Consumer driven’ or high deductible health plans are yet another instance in which the conservative rhetoric doesn't match the reality. These plans simply shift costs and responsibilities to consumers.
- 2008-05-08: STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN PETE STARK
SUPPORTING SOLUTIONS TO THE HOUSING CRISIS
I support both the Neighborhood Stabilization Act (H.R. 5818) and the Foreclosure Prevention Act (H.R. 3221). Together, they offer a comprehensive approach that will protect families, stabilize home prices, and expand affordable housing options around the nation.
- 2008-05-07: STARK ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF PRESS SECRETARY
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) today announced the appointment of Brian Cook as press secretary for his Congressional Office. Cook's appointment is effective immediately.
- 2008-05-06: STARK OPENING REMARKS AT HEARING
ON DMEPOS COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROGRAM
I called this hearing because of the concern from my colleagues who are hearing from suppliers in their communities. On something that affects every district, as this change would, it is vital that we perform oversight.
- 2008-05-01: House Approves Genetic Non-Discrimination Bill
Long-sought legislation strengthens patient protections
and adds enforcement measures
- 2008-05-01: Stark to Hold Town Meetings in Newark and Alameda on Saturday, May 3, 2008
The two meetings will allow constituents to ask questions about important national issues.
- 2008-05-01: GAO Finds Health Savings Accounts Used by Wealthy, Not Average Working Americans
"The GAO confirms that HSAs are not the way to meet the health care needs of most Americans. Instead, they are an effective tax shelter for people whose average incomes are nearly triple that of average tax filers," said Rep. Pete Stark.
April 2008(top)
March 2008(top)
February 2008(top)
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2008-02-28: Stark Opening Remarks At Medicare Advantage Hearing
"GAO’s findings raise serious questions about the value of lavishing subsidies onto MA plans as a means to “help” Medicare beneficiaries. Today’s second panel will reveal what is happening to Medicare beneficiaries in the real world as they attempt to navigate the confusing world of Medicare Advantage."
- 2008-02-28: Democratic Chairs: New GAO Report Confirms Medicare Advantage Overpayments Are A Raw Deal For Taxpayers And America’s Seniors
"The real beneficiaries of Medicare Advantage are the insurance companies, which have profited handsomely. It’s time to stop overpayments to the insurance industry and use these funds to support the health of elderly and disabled Americans," said Dingell.
- 2008-02-26: Stark Sees Health Spending Projections as a Call for Health Reform
Our current system is fractured and inefficient. We spend too much money on marketing and administration, and to fatten the bottom lines of the myriad of corporate interests in the health care sector. Despite this spending, 47 million Americans still are without health coverage and many find their coverage inadequate. We need meaningful health reform to slow the growth in health care costs and ensure coverage for all Americans.
- 2008-02-20: Stark: CMS Report Shows Agency Ready to Proceed with ESRD Bundling
“I have been very concerned that Medicare’s overpayments for the anti-anemia drug Epogen create a perverse incentive for dialysis centers to raise doses, which the FDA warns can put dialysis patients at increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and death. A well-designed bundled payment system will remove the incentive to over-utilize drugs, and encourage more appropriate provision of care."
- 2008-02-15: Stark Shoots Down Medicare Trigger
Highlights Bush Hypocrisy of Protecting Overpayments to Private Insurance Companies While Hiking Premiums for Beneficiaries
- 2008-02-15:
Stark: CBO Confirms Carbon Tax is the Most Efficient Solution to Address Climate Change
“The Congressional Budget Office report confirms what other economists have been saying for years. A carbon tax would be predictable, transparent, universal and difficult to game."
- 2008-02-15: Stark to Hold Town Meetings in Fremont, Hayward and Alameda on Saturday
The three town meetings will allow constituents to ask questions about important national issues.
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2008-02-14:L Stark Applauds Senate Nursing Home Legislation
Announces Plan to Introduce Companion Bill
- 2008-02-14: Stark Statement at Hearing on President Bush’s FY 2009 Budget With HHS Secretary Leavitt
"I have rarely seen an official document filled with so much misleading rhetoric and so few thoughtful suggestions. It is nothing short of disingenuous to claim concern about Medicare’s future after what this Administration has done to the program."
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2008-02-12: Rep. Pete Stark Statement on the Passing of Rep. Tom Lantos
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Representative Tom Lantos, a true public servant and a passionate voice for international human rights"...
January 2008(top)
December 2007(top)
- 2007-12-19: Stark Floor Remarks On Medicare Legislation
"This bill was designed by the Republicans to support their rich friends, the pharmaceutical industry, the for-profit insurance industry and to destroy Medicare as millions of American seniors have known it, to harm children, and to cast blame at illegal immigrants and working single parents."
- 2007-12-18: Stark Applauds Historic Increase in Fuel Efficiency Standards
Energy legislation would reduce greenhouse gases, create jobs.
- 2007-12-12: Stark Responds To Health Care Veto: Bush Is The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
He refuses to spend $35 billion to provide health care to 10 million children even as he asks for nearly $200 billion more for his failed War in Iraq,” said Stark.
- 2007-12-04: Stark: Bush Veto Threat Confirms He Desperately Wants To Privatize Medicare
“President Bush’s veto threat confirms that he desperately wants to privatize Medicare,” said Stark. “It also demonstrates that he is more interested in promoting his radical ideology than in speaking the truth.
- 2007-12-04: Stark: For Bush, “Medicare Advantage” Is An Advantage For Insurance Companies, Not Seniors
“President Bush is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the insurance industry,” said Stark. “How else to explain his opposition to enabling states to investigate and prosecute private insurance companies that deceive seniors?"
November 2007(top)
- 2007-11-29: Stark: Congress Must Guarantee Quality Care In America’s Nursing Homes
“Patients and their families deserve to know if they are in a substandard nursing home – especially if CMS is going to allow these facilities to continue to provide care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries,"
- 2007-11-28: Stark to Hold Town Meetings in Fremont, San Leandro and Alameda on Saturday, December 1, 2007
Likely topics include the Congressional response to the oil spill in the San Francisco Bay, funding for the War in Iraq, President Bush’s new push for peace in the Middle East, and the legislative calendar for the rest of the year.
- 2007-11-16: Stark Letter On Low-Income Subsidy Beneficiaries In The Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program
Open enrollment for the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit begins today. I am concerned about potential complications for low-income subsidy beneficiaries transitioning between plans.
- 2007-11-15: Stark Opening Remarks On Nursing Home Ownership And Quality
Despite improvements in some areas of quality, there is still much to be done. The lives of our most frail senior citizens are at stake, and our return to this issue is long overdue.
- 2007-11-14: Stark Votes Against A Bridge To Nowhere
Anti-War Congressman Supports an Immediate End to the War In Iraq
- 2007-11-08: Stark Comments On Second FDA Warning On Epogen
“The Food and Drug Administration’s second warning in less than a year should give pause to every patient and doctor using or prescribing Epogen or Procrit,”
- 2007-11-08: Stark Statement In Opposition To The Peru Free Trade Agreement
I rise in opposition to a Peru Free Trade Agreement that is neither free nor fair. Much like the North American and Central American Free Trade Agreements, this agreement will hurt both working families and the environment.
- 2007-11-07: Stark Statement On Employment Non-Discrimination Act
No job applicant should be discriminated against because of his or her race, religion, gender, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation -- or sexual orientation or gender identity.
- 2007-11-07: HHS OIG: Private Drug Plans Owe Medicare $4.4 Billion
CMS has no firm plan to recoup these funds or prevent future overpayments
October 2007(top)
- 2007-10-31: Stark To Hold Town Meetings In Union City, San Lorenzo And Alameda On Saturday, November 3, 2007
The three meetings will allow constituents to ask questions about important national issues. Given recent news, likely topics include military contracting, children’s health care, warrantless wiretapping, and the War in Iraq.
- 2007-10-29: Stark, Colleagues Write To Senate And House Leaders On Ethanol
Representatives Stark, Butterfield, Inslee, and Gillibrand
lead 42 of their colleagues in sending a letter to House and Senate
leadership urging inclusion of environmental safeguards in ethanol
production mandates.
- 2007-10-25: Stark Floor Remarks On Children's Health Care
"I rise in strong support of this third version of legislation to improve and extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP). I hope the third time will be the charm."
- 2007-10-23: Stark Apologizes, Calls On Congress To Provide Health Care To Children And End The War In Iraq
“I apologize for this reason: I think we have serious issues before us, the issue of providing medical care to children, the issue about what we’re going to do about a war that we’re divided about how to end."
- 2007-10-18: Stark Calls on Boehner, Republicans to Retract Opposition to Children's Health Care, Apologize to American Troops and their Families
"I have nothing but respect for our brave men and women in uniform and wish them the very best," said Stark. "But I respect neither the Commander-in-Chief who keeps them in harms way nor the chickenhawks in Congress who vote to deny children health care."
- 2007-10-16: FDA: Medicare’s National Coverage Determination On The Use Of Epogen Is Consistent With Approved Labeling And Published Research
“Facts are stubborn things,” said Stark. “The FDA letter confirms what Amgen and Johnson & Johnson are spending millions of dollars to deny."
- 2007-10-16: Stark Opening Remarks At A Hearing On Medicare Advantage Audits
"The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, CMS’ own Actuary and the Congressional Budget Office each estimate that Medicare Advantage Plans are overpaid. MEDPAC estimates the average overpayment is 112% of Medicare’s costs with plans in some areas exceeding 150% of Medicare’s rates. It’s no secret that many of us find this wrong – as do many of America’s taxpayers."
- 2007-10-09: Stark Writes To Defense Secretary Gates To Express Alarm At Military “Baiting” Of Iraqis
We are writing to raise serious concerns about a classified program. According to recent court documents and media reports, United States snipers are scattering military equipment including detonation cords, plastic explosives and ammunition as “bait,” then shooting to kill the Iraqis who pick up these items.
- 2007-10-04: Stark: Republican Means Testing Proposal For Part D Endangers Medicare
"President Bush and Senator Ensign want Medicare to wither on the vine," said Stark. "Increasing premiums and deductibles on some seniors would further erode Medicare's social insurance status – in which we all pay in and we all get the same benefits.
- 2007-10-04: STARK COMMENTS ON PROTECTING CANCER PATIENTS
"Medicare should always act in the best interests of patients, guided by objective scientists and academics, not politicians, and consistent with the principle that treatment should first 'do no harm'" said Stark.
- 2007-10-03: STARK FLOOR REMARKS ON BUSH VETO
I don’t know what he thought he was doing when he talked about improving the lives of children and preventing disease and promoting community health, because he’s just following a position that denies a million kids the right to health care.
- 2007-10-03: STARK TO BUSH: "IF THIS IS 'COMPASSIONATE CONSERVATISM,' WHAT IS CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT?"
"President Bush is a one-man axis of evil," said Stark. "I am disgusted by his veto of a bipartisan compromise that would have provided care to nearly four million uninsured children."
September 2007(top)
August 2007(top)
July 2007(top)
June 2007(top)
May 2007(top)
- 05/24/2007: Stark Statement Opposing Additional Funding For The War In Iraq
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) issued the following
statement on the Iraq spending bill.
- 05/22/2007: Stark Opening Statement And Cma Letter From Hearing On Medicare Advantage Private Fee-For-Service Plans
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on Medicare payments to hospitals and post-acute providers.
- 05/17/2007: In Case You Missed It: Medicare Fee-For-Service Providers Raise Serious Concerns About Medicare Advantage
An array of providers representing hospitals and post-acute providers on Tuesday voiced concerns about the Medicare Advantage (MA) program at a Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing.
- 05/17/2007: Stark Introduces “Medikids” To Guarantee Health Care To All Children
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today introduced the MediKids Health Insurance Act to guarantee quality health care to all children in the United States.
- 05/15/2007: Stark Opening Statement At Hearing On Payments To Certain Medicare Fee-For-Service Providers
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on Medicare payments to hospitals and post-acute providers.
- 05/11/2007: Stark, Corbett, Hayashi And Swanson To Honor Mother’s Day By Calling For Increased Funding For Chidrens Health Insurance
In honor of Mother’s Day, U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-Fremont), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, will join children’s advocates, doctors, Senator Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro), Assembly member Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) and Assembly member Sandre Swanson (D-Oakland) to call for increased funding for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
- 05/10/2007: Stark Statement Suporting An End To The War In Iraq
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) issued the following
statement about the Iraq Accountability Act and the Iraq RedeploymentAct: "I rise today in strong support of Democratic efforts to end the War in Iraq.
- 05/10/2007: Stark To Hold Town Meetings In Fremont, San Leandro And Alemeda Saturday, May 12, 2007
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) will speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings on Saturday, May 12th in Fremont, San Leandro
- 05/10/2007: Stark Opening Statement At Hearing On Methods To Improve Efficiency
Among Medicare’s Physicians
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on options to improve efficiency and quality among Medicare physicians.
- 05/03/2007: Stark Opening Statement At Hearing on Medicare Programs For Low-Income Benificiaries
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on financial assistance programs for low-income Medicare beneficiaries.
- 05/03/2007: Stark and Latourette: Mandatory Overtime For Nurses Endangers Patients And Exacerbates The Nursing Shortage
U.S. Representatives Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of
the Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, and Steven LaTourette (OH-14) today introduced the Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act.
April 2007(top)
- 04/26/2007: Stark Introduces A Carbon Tax To Combat Climate Change
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means with jurisdiction over U.S. tax policy, today introduced the Save Our Climate Act. This legislation would impose a tax on carbon-based fossil fuels to slow climate change.
- 04/25/2007: CMS Actuary: Medicare Advantage Overpayments Raise Premiums For All
Benificiaries And Raise Medicare's Solvency
In today’s Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing on the 2007 Medicare Trustees report, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services Actuary Rick Foster made several important statements
- 04/25/2007: Stark Statement On Funding The War In Iraq
I must again make the difficult decision to vote ‘present’ on the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act.'
- 04/25/2007: Stark Opening Stament At Hearing On Medicare Trustees Report
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on the 2007 report of the Board of Trustees of the Medicare Trust Fund.
- 04/23/2007: Stark: Medicare Is Solvent And Sustainable
"Reports of Medicare’s death have been greatly exaggerated," said Stark. "Despite Republican efforts to set the stage for the program’s privatization, this year’s Trustees report shows that Medicare remains solvent and sustainable."
- 04/20/2007: Stark To Hold Town Meetings In Union City, San Lorenzo And Alameda
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) will speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings on Saturday, April 21 in Union City, San Lorenzo and Alameda.
- 04/18/2007: Stark Introduces Legislation To Enable Blind And Visually Impaired Americans To Easily Recognize Paper Currency
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) today introduced the Catherine Skivers Currency for All Act. This legislation would make U.S. currency accessible to all blind and visually impaired Americans.
March 2007(top)
- 03/29/2007: Stark, Camp, Durbin And Grassley Introduce Legislation To Honor Organ Donors
Representatives Pete Stark (CA-13) and Dave Camp (MI-4) today introduced the William H. Frist Gift of Life Congressional Medal Act. In recognition of Organ Donation Awareness Month in April, the bill would create a commemorative medal honoring organ donors and their families.
- 03/29/2007: Stark Introduces Americare
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today introduced the AmeriCare Health Care Act. This straightforward legislation would provide universal coverage by building on what works in today’s health care system – Medicare and employer-based coverage.
- 03/27/2007:Stark Opening Statement At Hearing On Mental Health Parity
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on mental health parity.
- 03/26/2007: Stark Introduces Legislation For Mental Health Parity In Medicare
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, on Friday introduced the Medicare Health Modernization Act of 2007 (H.R. 1663).
- 03/23/2007: Stark Statement In Support Of An Immediate End To The War In Iraq
Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) issued the following statement about the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Health, and Iraq Accountability Act. Stark voted 'present' for the legislation, which passed the House by a 218-212-1 margin.
- 03/21/2007: Stark Opening Statement At “Medicare Advantage” Hearing
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on the “Medicare Advantage” program.
- 03/20/2007: Stark Responds to Scoring of Bush Health Care Proposal
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the Joint Committee on Taxation's release of revised estimates for the tax effects of President Bush's health care proposal. This new analysis projects the Bush proposal would increase taxes by $334 billion over 10 years. Fifty-eight million Americans will see their taxes increase by an average of $2,295 a year.
- 03/15/2007: Stark to Hold Town Meetings In Newark, San Leandro and Alameda
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) will speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings on Saturday, March 17 in Newark, San Leandro and Alameda.
- 03/14/2007: Stark Opening Statement At A Hearing On Genetic Nondiscrimination
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, delivered the following opening remarks at today's hearing on genetic nondiscrimination.
- 03/09/2007: Stark Responds To Recent Press Releases And Public Statements About Medicare Advantage Plans
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to recent press releases and public statements about so-called “Medicare Advantage” plans.
- 03/06/2007: Stark, Baucus And Grassley Hold Officials Accountable For Improper Approval Of Specialty Hospital In West Texas
Rep. Pete Stark and Sens. Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley are asking more questions about how a specialty hospital in West Texas was allowed to participate in the Medicare program despite an enrollment suspension on specialty hospital participation.
- 03/01/2007: Medpac Chairman Warns Against Medicare Overpayments To Private Plans
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to new data released by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) and to comments made by MedPAC’s Chairman, Glenn Hackbarth, at a Subcommittee hearing on the commission’s March report.
- 03/01/2007: Stark: Enabling People To Form Unions And Bargain Is A Victory For Working Families
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (CA-13) released the following statement today on H.R. 800, the Employer Free Choice Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 241-185.
February 2007(top)
January 2007(top)
- 01/30/2007: Stark: Administration Is Taking Credit Where Credit Isn’t Due
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to CMS' latest enrollment numbers for the Medicare Part D prescription drug program.
- 01/24/2007: Lawmakers Renew Bipartisan Push To Stop Child Custody Relinquishment And Help Children Obtain Mental Health Care
Reps. Pete Stark (D-CA), Jim Ramstad (R-MN), and Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) today introduced the "Keeping Families Together Act."
- 01/23/2007: Stark: Bush Delivered The State Of The Union In A State Of Denial
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to President Bush’s State of the Union.
- 01/22/2007: Stark: The State of President Bush's Health Care Policy is Weak
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today responded to reports that President Bush will in the State of the Union propose a tax increase on working families and small businesses
- 01/19/2007: Stark To Hold Town Meetings On America's New Direction January 20, 2007
U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), the recently announced Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, plans to speak with residents of the 13th Congressional District at town meetings on Saturday, January 20 in Fremont, San Leandro, and Alameda.
- 01/12/2007: Stark: Requiring Medicare To Negotiate For Lower Prescription Drug Prices Is A Victory For Seniors And People With Disabilities
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), the recently announced Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today released the following statement on H.R. 4, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act, which passed on the floor with bipartisan support by a vote of 255-170.
- 01/10/2007: Stark Blasts Bush Speech
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) tonight responded to President Bush’s Iraq policy address.
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