Bruce F. Vento: “during the past year, the majority has consistently advocated proposals to weaken programs and protections for our…”

“during the past year, the majority has consistently advocated proposals to weaken programs and protections for our Nation's working families and seniors. As recent action shows, the majority has not been listening to the consistent and concerned voices of the American people which have expressed opposition to these proposals. The majority is once again proposing fundamental changes in Medicare and Medicaid, which I might say helps and empowers over 70 million Americans gain access to health insurance. Their plan is to change the Medicare and Medicaid from programs which assure health care for those who need it to programs which limit Federal spending to a defined amount. In other words, they are changing them from defined benefit programs to defined contribution programs. Congress should be acting to expand health care coverage and rein in escalating health care costs, but instead, Republicans in this Congress are focused on tearing our Nation's health safety net, potentially adding millions more to the ranks of the uninsured. At the same time, the Republican plan includes tax breaks from $124 billion to $175 billion over the 6 years, and leaves the option open for even additional tax breaks, such as the costly capital gains tax break. The majority would not need to make such drastic cuts and changes in Medicare and Medicaid if they did not insist on providing tax breaks for the wealthy.”