I received a response by e-mail from Louisa Visconti on Dr. McCaughey’s behalf. Dr. Visconti’s response included an attachment consisting of a press release titled, “Betsy McCaughey Responds to Poorly Informed Critics.” Ms. Visconti urged that I “seek out the Republican Conference’s release on the the matter” by contacting christopher.jacobs@mail.house.gov , and indicated:
The Senate eliminated the provisions on cost effectiveness with regard to comparing treatments, thus removing a very dangerous
part of the bill (which would effect [sic] seniors most). However, our concerns regarding the development and use of electronic records
remain unanswered. These provisions have no place in a budget bill meant to stimulate the economy. They — along with many
other healthcare provisions — should be struck from the bill and put into a separate piece of legislation that is debated by the
Congress and discussed by the public.
I sent an e-mail to Congressman Jacobs at the indicated address, requesting “a copy of the ‘Republican Conference’s release,’” as well as “copies of press releases, statements, critiques, or other information relating to the subject provisions of the stimulus legislation, Ms. McCaughey’s Bloomberg.com commentary, an identification of assertions alleged by the HRC to be inaccurate in Ms. McCaughey’s commentary, AARP’s critique of the legislative provisions, the identity (and any known organizational membership or association) of the authors (e.g. congressman, staff) of the subject provisions, and other relevant material.”
I forwarded copies of that e-mail message to Ms. Visconti, Ms. McCaughey, and AARP.
(to be continued)