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Rep. Bruce Braley

Mr. Speaker, today, I'd like to congratulate Mike Abrams on his new position with the Ohio Hospital Association. Mike has been at the Iowa Medical Society for 15 years, and he has been a friend and adviser to me since I came to Congress in 2007.

For years, Iowa has suffered from unfair Medicare reimbursement rates, and a flawed equation that determines payments. Within the first few months of my Congressional career, Mike was in my office helping me find solutions to that problem. It was only with Mike's help that we were able to increase payments to Iowa doctors, and take significant steps towards a reimbursement structure based on quality of care, not just quantity of care. He has been a resource to me, and he often served as my ``lifeline'' during late-night, high-level health care negotiations over the last few years.

Mike's knowledge and understanding of current health care issues is matched only by his terrific wit and shining personality. Iowa doctors and patients have benefited from his time at Iowa Medical Society, and he has helped me advocate for improved access to health care in Iowa. Thank you, Mike, and we wish you the best in your new endeavor.