Pataki Urges U.S. Senate to Reject Dr. Donald Berwick’s Nomination to Lead Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

“Dr. Berwick’s long record of embracing and promoting socialist-style, government-run health care represents a clear and present danger to every patient and every physician across the country.” – Governor George Pataki, Chairman of Revere America

Washington – In a letter sent today to United States Senators, Governor George Pataki, Chairman of Revere America, called on the Senate to oppose Dr. Donald M. Berwick’s nomination as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The text of Pataki’s letter follows:

Dear Senator:

I am writing to urge you to oppose Dr. Donald M. Berwick’s nomination as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

While any President should have wide latitude to nominate individuals as they best see fit to positions within their Administration, certain nominations such as Dr. Berwick’s, must be rejected by the United States Senate in order to prevent great and lasting harm to our nation.

Dr. Berwick has made clear his unmitigated preference for the rationing of care and the institution of across-the-board mandatory treatment regimens at the expense of doctors practicing medicine based on the unique needs of individuals.

Quite simply, Dr. Berwick’s long record of embracing and promoting socialist-style, government-run health care represents a clear and present danger to every patient and every physician across the country.

The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has responsibility for Medicare and Medicaid program policies that directly or indirectly affect our entire health care system and account for $800 billion a year.  Notwithstanding Congressional efforts to repeal and replace ObamaCare, the CMS Administrator will play a significant role in shaping policies as elements of this law move toward implementation.  Dr. Berwick’s confirmation would only expedite the complete government take-over of America’s health care system and hasten the demise of quality of care for all.

With so many skilled and dedicated physicians in our nation, I am confident there are many more qualified individuals who would work to solve the challenges facing our health care system by advancing common-sense solutions that respect and strengthen America’s best traditions and values and without demolishing the patient-physician relationship.

On behalf of Revere America, and the hundreds of millions of Americans who rightfully oppose the nationalization of our health care system I urge you to forcefully oppose Dr. Berwick’s nomination.

Sincerely,

Governor George Pataki

Chairman