An open letter to U.S. Representative Jim Jordan

From John Curry, July 18, 2008

Dear U.S. Representative Jim Jordan,

As an Ohio retiree and a resident of your Ohio House District I am asking you to explain your reason(s) for voting "no" on the recent Medicare (HR 6331) Presidential veto override in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. You and John Boehner were the only two Ohio House members who did not go along with your fellow Ohio Representatives (both Republican and Democrat) on this vote. Two of your fellow U.S. House members already made their statements concerning this vote. They are listed below. I have seen no public statement from you concerning this vote. I, and others, would like to hear your side of the story. Thank you.

Sincerely, John Curry Wapakoneta, Ohio

“This is a victory for seniors and those with disabilities. By passing this legislation, Congress is preventing a 10.6% pay-cut to doctors who provide Medicare. This is especially important for Americans living in rural areas who have fewer choices when it comes to medical providers. If their doctors stopped taking Medicare, they could literally be left without a provider in the community. Today’s action makes sure that some of our most vulnerable citizens will continue to have affordable, reliable health care and be able to continue getting the care they need from the doctors they already know and trust. I’m proud that we were able to override the President’s veto and strengthen Medicare for America’s seniors.”

-- Rep. Charlie Wilson (OH-6)

“Today, we have achieved an important victory for our country’s seniors and families. The improvements in this bill will ensure that Medicare recipients can continue to see the doctors they know and trust, and receive the quality care they deserve. It will also ensure that physicians providing care will be fairly compensated.

“Sadly, this crucial legislation was nearly derailed by the President’s careless and ill-conceived veto. If his veto had stood, it would have jeopardized healthcare access for the millions of seniors and other vulnerable Americans who rely on Medicare for their health coverage. Thankfully, my colleagues and I stood up against the President, overriding his veto to turn this measure into law.

“The well-being of our seniors is one of our most important responsibilities; with today’s vote we are upholding that duty.”

-- Rep. Betty Sutton (OH-13)