On the recordJune 23, 2011
Next week marks the 45th anniversary of implementing Medicare. On this occasion, it is right that Congress work together to protect and strengthen Medicare for our future generations. Sadly, instead of preserving Medicare, my Republican colleagues have approved a plan to destroy it. The Republican budget privatizes Medicare programs, turning control over to the insurance industry; ends guaranteed Medicare coverage for seniors, replacing it with a voucher system; doubles out-of-pocket medical costs for seniors. I ask my colleagues, where are your priorities? We should be creating jobs and helping middle class families. We should not be dismantling safety net programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Let's stop the politics. Let's work together. Let's work on a plan to protect our seniors and be responsible to lower the deficit. ____________________
