On the recordMarch 20, 2013
Thank you, Dr. Bera. This Congress has a responsibility and an opportunity to work together to grow our economy and to set this Nation on a fiscally responsible path. However, the Ryan budget is irresponsible, and it places the burden of the deficit on hardworking American families and seniors. This plan ends the guarantee of Medicare. As an ER doctor, I know that many of my senior patients are struggling financially and rely on Medicare in the moments of their lives when they need it the most. Our priority should be reducing health care costs in order to make Medicare stronger and more sustainable, but this budget transforms Medicare into a voucher program, shifting the costs of health care onto the shoulders of our seniors. We must, once again, work together to protect and preserve Medicare, reduce our deficit and decrease health care costs. I urge my colleagues to come together across party lines and put American families and our seniors first.
