WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, delivered the following opening statement at today’s Committee on Rules hearing on H.R. 498, the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act.

Chairman Guthrie’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you, Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member McGovern for inviting me to testify today.

“House Republicans, and especially my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, have been focused on rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid program this year already through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

“Our work to this point has been driven by the desire to create a sustainable financial future for the Medicaid program and to strengthen, secure, and sustain it for those who are truly among the most vulnerable populations: expectant mothers, their children, low-income seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

“Even with all of the important work we have accomplished this Congress, there is still more to be done.

“Americans work hard to make a living, and it’s our obligation as members of Congress to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to support care that is truly necessary in improving the health of Americans.

“H.R. 498, the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act, prohibits federal Medicaid dollars from going toward specified gender transition procedures for individuals under the age of 18.

“While CBO estimates that this bill would save taxpayers $445 million over a decade, I want to make it abundantly clear that this legislation does not prevent minors from accessing medical care that they truly need.

“It simply prohibits the use of federal Medicaid funding on specified gender transition procedures that are medically unnecessary.

“This legislation builds upon our work done in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to create a more sustainable financial future for Medicaid and preserve the program for those who truly need it.”

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