Bilirakis Responds to Report Confirming Biden Administration’s Overreach

Washington, DC: Earlier today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirmed that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) does not have legal authority to permanently extend enhanced Medicaid funding in Puerto Rico, as the Biden Administration has recently asserted. In its legal opinion, the GAO notes "HHS's FY 2022 allotment of $2,943,000,000 for Puerto Rico was not authorized," and "the plain meaning of the language of the statute is clear." In response to this opinion, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, who has spearheaded bipartisan legislation on this important topic, released the statement below.

"We have an obligation to ensure a continued safety net for our most vulnerable patient populations while putting safeguards in place to strengthen accountability for the wise use of taxpayer dollars. We must also incentivize best practices in the Medicaid program. Prior to the Biden Administration incorrectly asserting that it did not need specific statutory authority to extend enhanced funding, Congressman Soto and I worked together in good faith to craft language that achieved these goals. Our bill ensured continued funding access to healthcare for America's seniors, children, and those with disabilities in Puerto Rico and U.S. territories while strengthening accountability and program integrity to prevent fraud and abuse. Now that an independent entity has corroborated that the Biden Administration overstepped its authority, Democrats in Congress need to insist that we use the proper legislative procedure. We must advance our bipartisan agreement to avoid further confusion and uncertainty," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

CLICK HERE to read the GAO's full memo.