On the recordJune 15, 2011
America's seniors have given a lifetime of service to our Nation. It is our responsibility to demonstrate the same commitment to them by providing a safety net like Medicare and Medicaid. Sadly, the Republican budget will have a devastating impact on our seniors, forcing many of them to sell their homes and rely on their children just to get by because they can't afford health coverage. In my district alone, the Republican budget plan would throw out 3,200 Medicare beneficiaries into the prescribed donut hole, eliminate preventive care benefits for 56,000 seniors, deny 630,000 individuals aged 54 and younger guaranteed Medicare coverage, jeopardize nursing home care for 1,100 seniors whose expenses are paid by Medicare. Yes, we must lower the deficit with intelligent spending cuts, but it is wrong to balance the budget by cutting vital service to American seniors. Let's preserve Medicare and Medicaid. Let's work together, Republicans and Democrats, and find a solution. ____________________
