WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today asked Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick asking him to brief Republican members of the committee since he has not yet been given the opportunity to testify at a hearing.

“The American people are clearly focused on how the new health care law will change their health care options and decisions. I believe that both members of Congress and administration officials responsible for implementing the law owe it to the American people to conduct open and honest public discussions on its effects and implementation,” Barton wrote. “As your appearance before the Senate made clear, your position places you in charge of the substantial changes to Medicare and Medicaid that are expected in coming weeks, months, and years. 

“Since our July request to Chairman Waxman to invite you to testify was not granted, I believe a briefing now with committee members will provide the next best opportunity to begin an honest dialogue,” he added.
 
A copy of the letter can be found here.