this patient's bill in here to protect us so we won't have that kind of problem i experienced with mr. weems who did the best job he can probably try to do. it's just that we have folks over there that have some pretty crazy ideas. you know, when they come and visit with you, mr. chairman, they bring a lot of staff. one staff member indicated. well, one way we can cut costs -- i was asking them other ways to cut costs rather than cost containment in regards to how it works today. and he said by age. i said oh, by age. senator mikulski, your better listen to this. i used a fig are that was below both of us. i used a figure that was below both of us. what about these folks. should they get a knee replacement, hip replacement and that person said well maybe not. now that sounds like that can't happen in the system we're trying to construct today, but i'm telling you, it can. that's why i've introduced the bill. i've gone on way to long. i appreciate the patience and indulgence of my colleague. >> thank you, senator. senator mikulski. >> first of all, let me just say that this amendment offered