Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, President Bush vetoed the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), a bill which has passed the Senate and the House with veto-proof majorities.

U.S. Rep. Schwartz released the following statement in response to the veto.

“Once again, President Bush placed the interests of the few ahead of helping hard working American families.

“This bipartisan legislation ensures seniors receive the healthcare they need and that doctors are compensated for the care they provide. This legislation accomplishes those goals. It also moves our healthcare system forward into the 21st century with expanded use of health information technology, such as e-prescribing.

“By forcing the House and the Senate to vote again on a bill that already passed with veto-proof majorities, President Bush is making it clear that he cares little about the urgent need to enact this time-sensitive legislation. I urge all those who voted in favor of this bill to stand up and override the President’s veto.”

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