WALLY HERGER: “liberal Democrats are fond of taking to the floor to whine about Medicare cuts. Why, just the other day, the minority…”

“liberal Democrats are fond of taking to the floor to whine about Medicare cuts. Why, just the other day, the minority leader himself was here talking about the ``deep, deep'' cuts in Medicare. I have here a chart that shows what Republicans will be spending on Medicare through the year 2002. There is no cut. There is not even a ``deep, deep'' cut. In fact, spending increases. In 1995, Medicare beneficiaries will receive $4,816. In 2002, they will receive $6,734. The spending increases. Where is the cut? Mr. Speaker, the liberal Democrats in this Chamber have offered no real, substantive plan to protect Medicare. All they offer--in fact, all they really stand for any more--is paranoia. This is no way to govern. This is no way to lead. The American people expect and deserve more than just fear tactics. Republicans, unlike Democrats, will protect Medicare and preserve it for future generations.”