On the recordJune 14, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Republican ending-Medicare plan. Now some on the other side have complained about the unfairness of characterizing the Republican plan as an end to Medicare. But, Mr. Speaker, I just call it like it is. So here are the facts about the Republican Medicare-ending plan: Seniors will pay approximately $6,000 more in out-of-pocket expenses, double their expenses today. They'll lose benefits. They'll be forced to negotiate-- our seniors will be forced to negotiate with the big insurance companies under the Republican Medicare-ending plan. Under the Republican plan, seniors will immediately reopen the prescription-drug doughnut hole that we close. And so, Mr. Speaker, this is not a mischaracterization. It's just speaking the truth to the power of the Republican Medicare-ending plan for our seniors and for those who are approaching the age of 65. So I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to say that the Democrats are going to stand on the side of jobs, of working people, and of those who want to protect Medicare for future generations. ____________________
