Amy Klobuchar: “60 years ago today, President Lyndon Johnson and Vice President Hubert Humphrey, of Minnesota, whose desk my hands sit…”

“60 years ago today, President Lyndon Johnson and Vice President Hubert Humphrey, of Minnesota, whose desk my hands sit on right now, traveled to Independence, MO. President Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law. He chose that city for a reason. He wanted to make clear these programs delivered what their birthplace promises: independence, health, and security for millions of Americans. Before that day 60 years ago, there was no comprehensive government health insurance in the United States. If you didn't get insurance through work, you were on your own. Before Medicare, no insurance company wanted to provide coverage to seniors. Most Americans without job-based coverage faced illnesses and injuries, knowing they would have to pay out of pocket, and millions, especially older Americans, kids, and low-income families, went without the care they needed. They risked their health and their financial security. Today, over 110 million Americans, including more than 1 million people in my State, depend on Medicare and Medicaid. These programs cover everything from hospital visits to lifesaving prescriptions to long-term care that allow seniors to remain in their homes. These programs, along with Social Security, have driven poverty among seniors to record lows, but that promise is under a renewed threat. My Republican colleagues have passed laws that have cut Medicaid and Medicare, which millions of Americans rely on.”