Political Quotes

“I rise because I think Americans are concerned that they need some straight talk on Medicare. The Medicare system is not bankrupt; do not be fooled. Yes, the Medicare system does need adjustment; that is what the trustees said in a Los Angeles Times article last week, and I think we on the Democratic side are willing to make adjustments. Mr. Speaker, the point is we can make adjustments, we can even make reasonable cuts, without affecting benefits, but on the Republican side, however, they want to cut benefits, and the fact is that seniors will be harmed when we cut benefits, and they will be harmed not to save Medicare or not to reduce the deficit, but specifically to give a tax break to the wealthy. Let us look at the figures. I say to my colleagues, "If you are wealthy and make $300,000, you'll get a tax break of $20,000. If you make $200,000, you'll get a tax break of $11,000. But if you're an average American and make about $35,000 to $50,000, you'll only get $500. That's a tax break for the wealthy." I will make a deal. Cut the tax break for the wealthy, and we can work out a reasonable Medicare Program.”