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Getting Medicare Advantage Back on Track
On Tuesday, I co-chaired the Ways and Means joint Health and Oversight Subcommittee hearing focused on the Medicare Advantage program. With more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries now enrolled in MA, it’s critical that we ensure the program’s quality for beneficiaries.
I raised concerns about how slow claims processing, burdensome prior authorizations, and a lack of transparency are affecting care. I also pressed for better alignment of incentives so that these plans focus on real outcomes for patients.
I’m grateful to the witnesses who testified and look forward to continuing the discussion on modernizing Medicare Advantage in a way that protects beneficiaries and the fiscal future of the program.
Honoring Reagan’s Legacy with Pro-Growth Solutions
This weekend, I had the honor of joining my colleagues for a Ways and Means field hearing at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. We discussed how pro-growth tax policies are shaping the future for American families and small businesses.
The hearing featured testimony from farmers, business owners, and community leaders who shared real stories of how tax reform from H.R. 1 is fueling investment and growth.
A special thank you to the Reagan Foundation for hosting us and to all of the witnesses who offered their insights.
A Quiet Monsoon
Even though this has been the coolest summer in the Valley in nearly two decades, our monsoon season has been unusually quiet. According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, storm activity has been limited due to persistent dry air and high-pressure systems pushing moisture out of the region.
Earlier forecasts hinted at a strong monsoon, but the right conditions just haven’t come together. So far, most of the Valley has stayed dry, with fewer storms and less of the dramatic monsoon skies we usually expect this time of year.
Hopefully, we catch some rainfall as we reach the later end of monsoon season.
Recognizing Some Amazing Citizens of AZ-01
Last week, our district interns were able to take a tour of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) buildings.
Phoenix’s TRACON facility manages operations for Sky Harbor, Scottsdale, Deer Valley, Mesa-Gateway and other regional airports. It plays a central role in supporting our aviation sector, which contributes $44.3 billion in annual economic output to our state.
Thank you to the FAA and Sky Harbor teams for your hospitality and for the critical work you do every day to keep our national airspace operating safely and efficiently.
Harnessing Innovation to Avert a Health Care Fiscal Crisis
I recently briefed a group of health care providers on the growing budgetary pressures on our health care system and outlined a stark forecast if we fail to act.
Today, we are borrowing $6 billion a day, a figure projected to rise to $10 billion by 2035. At the same time, national health care spending is expected to climb to 20.3% of GDP, and Medicare spending is on track to double over the next decade.
But there is reason for hope. We are in the midst of a transformative tech boom. Advances in wearables, artificial intelligence, and biomedical innovation present a real opportunity to reshape care delivery and drive down costs.
If we seize this moment, we could dramatically improve patient outcomes while reversing the otherwise unsustainable fiscal trajectory. |