Health Industry Made Big Donations to Budget Cutting 'Super Committee'
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The health and medical industries have contributed more than $17 million in the last 23 years to a group of 12 lawmakers who wield the power of a ‘Super Committee’ that will decide how to make large cuts in federal spending, according to report.
The group of lawmakers, who will hold their first meeting on Thursday, came into existence after a recent Washington standoff which erupted when Republican and Democratic lawmakers, along with the White House, reached a last-minute deal to avoid default by the U.S. government and raise the federal government’s debt ceiling.
Four industry sectors have made more than $17 million in campaign contributions to the 12 lawmakers on the committee since 1989, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics (which runs Opensecrets.org) from the Associated Press.
After health professionals which includes mostly doctors, drug companies and makers of health products were among the largest donors to lawmakers. These were among the top 20 sources of campaign funds for nine of the committee members.
If the committee fails to reach an agreement, previously agreed to spending cuts will take place.
Medicare, a federal health program for seniors, would reduce payments to service providers by 2 percent, according to the report. Medicaid, which serves low-income people, would not be cut.
Democratic Senators on the committee include Max Baucus of Montana, John Kerry of Massachusetts, and Patty Murray of Washington. Republican senators include Jon Kyl of Arizona, Rob Portman of Ohio and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.
House representatives include Republicans Dave Camp and Fred Upton of Michigan, and Jeb Hensarling of Texas. Democrats from the House include Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, James Clyburn of South Carolina and Xavier Becerra of California.