WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) applauds House passage of the Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2017 (H.R. 849), eliminating an unelected advisory board that could make drastic cuts to benefits with little to no Congressional oversight.

The bill would specifically terminate the unconstituted Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), a 15-member board charged with developing proposals  to reduce Medicare spending. The IPAB's proposals are considered under fast-track procedures that limit Congress' ability to modify the amount of cuts to Medicare and automatically put the proposal into effect.

"This unelected board has complete, unchecked authority to decide which treatments and services should be cut, with the lives of dependent Americans totally in their hands – instead of in their doctors’ hands," said Congressman Rogers. "If constituted, the IPAB would have the authority to move swiftly and potentially make devastating cuts to Medicare. It is yet another reason why we need to repeal and replace Obamacare."

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.