Peter Torkildsen: “The President and his trustees agree, and both parties in both Houses agree: Medicare is going broke. If the Congress…”

“The President and his trustees agree, and both parties in both Houses agree: Medicare is going broke. If the Congress chooses to do nothing, the status quo will destroy the Medicare system. But we can fight to improve the system, Madam Speaker, so that current and future generations will have access to health care. This past week, I visited several senior centers in my district. The Americans I spoke with understood that change in the current system is necessary. Our seniors are trapped in a system designed for the 1960's, not the 1990's and beyond. Madam Speaker, the facts are straightforward. Under the House-passed budget, spending on Medicare will increase from $4,800 per recipient now to over $6,700 per recipient over the next 7 years. Doing nothing means Congress is abdicating its responsibility. Madam Speaker, every person and every idea is needed to resolve the Medicare crisis. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join together. If Medicare goes broke in 2002, it is going to affect all of us, regardless of party affiliation or age. Let us work, preserve and protect Medicare.”