"The law explicitly protects the guaranteed Medicare benefits on which so many seniors and individuals with disabilities rely. It will not cut these guaranteed benefits, nor will it ration care," Dr Berwick said with the aim of responding to the complaints made by the Republicans that the health care law would reduce almost half a trillion dollars from the Medicare budget next year.

Till this time Dr Berwisk was getting support against the critics from the White House along with the Congress Democrats, however, the Republicans were treating him much liberally and didn't question him regarding the previous statements during which he discussed the rationing of health care and made approving statements about the health care system of Britain.

Just prior to the Senate Finance Committee, during a session things were warmed up a bit for the inquisition which Dr Berwick has a good chance of facing in the coming year when the Republicans will take charge of the House Committees.

Dr Berwick was directly nominated by President Obama but never got a confirmation hearing and there is no assurance that he will win the Senate confirmation even if he gets re-nominated.