Press Statement
On
SMITH/BINGAMAN AMENDMENT PASSAGE IN THE SENATE BUDGET
By Carol Berkowitz, MD, President, American Academy of Pediatrics

"The American Academy of Pediatrics applauds the U.S. Senate for passing an amendment to their budget resolution yesterday that will protect millions of low-income children and children with special health care needs who depend on the Medicaid program. The amendment by Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) strikes the $15 billion in Medicaid cuts from consideration and creates a reserve fund for a Bipartisan Commission on Medicaid.

We realize that Congress is faced with tough decisions and intense pressure to cut costs, but we thank the Senate for not making decisions based solely on numbers. This amendment has helped to create safeguards so that any reforms made will be done with careful study and consideration.

A $15 billion dollar reduction to the program would have jeopardized the well being of millions of children�s health. The American Academy of Pediatrics and its 60,000 member pediatricians thanks the Senate for passing an amendment that ensures that children will be protected.�

# # #

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.