Grace Napolitano: “we have all heard about the need to dedicate the 62 percent of the surplus over the next 15 years to saving Social…”

“we have all heard about the need to dedicate the 62 percent of the surplus over the next 15 years to saving Social Security and then, of course, the 15 percent to saving Medicare, which cannot be understated. However, in addition to that, we need to recognize that simply securing the solvency of Social Security and Medicare is not enough. We also need to address the structure and quality of Social Security and Medicare programs. We need to discuss covering prescription drugs, a difficult issue because of the cost involved, yet vital for so many seniors in America. We need to address the earnings test so that seniors who work to supplement their pensions are not penalized by cuts in their Social Security benefits. We also need to talk about improving service so that individuals do not get lost in a bureaucratic cobweb that leaves them frustrated and without the benefits they deserve. We have already agreed to dedicate the 62 percent of the surplus for Social Security in order to fully protect America's retirement security, but I urge my colleagues on the other side to take the next step and join us in resolving the entire Medicare issue.”