Chris Ward: “Mr. speaker, I must rise today to speak out against the proposed reductions in Medicare spending which I feel will…”

“Mr. speaker, I must rise today to speak out against the proposed reductions in Medicare spending which I feel will devastate our Nation's elderly. Under the guise of protecting and strengthening the Medicare trust fund, Republicans have proposed billions in reductions in future spending over the next 7 years. Republicans have pledged not to cut Social Security, interest on the debt, or defense in order to pay for their tax cuts, therefore, the only remaining source from which to cut is Medicare. The Medicare trust fund should be addressed appropriately as a long-term problem and should take into careful consideration the needs of our Nation's seniors. This debate should take place apart from the budget debate and apart from efforts to salvage the cynical, public opinion poll-driven Contract for American campaign promises. Mr. Speaker, I call once again for compassion for the elderly of our society, another vulnerable, defenseless group which must be protected.”