William R. Richardson: “the Republicans are having a hard time explaining to 35 million Americans who rely on Medicare that their benefits will…”

“the Republicans are having a hard time explaining to 35 million Americans who rely on Medicare that their benefits will be cut to pay for a $350 billion tax break for the wealthy. Now, Republican leaders are attacking the President because he refuses to join them in slashing Medicare to pay for their unjust tax break. Republicans also fail to mention that the President has in fact extended the life of the Medicare fund in legislation that Republicans voted against last year. The truth is that Republican cuts to Medicare would make the average Medicare recipient cough up $900 more each year out of their own pockets. In my State of New Mexico alone, 200,000 Americans will be forced to reduce their food budget or their heating costs to pay for this unfair tax cut. Mr. Speaker, the President is right. We should favor Medicare reform that protects benefits for Americans, but cuts in Medicare should not pay for a tax break for the wealthy. The American people will not be fooled.”