Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill to repeal the CLASS Act. Last year, we watched as Republicans implemented a slash-and-burn offensive against almost every and any Federal program that helps people. No matter that the program helps women or children or seniors or sick people; let's get rid of it. Apparently, this year is no different. With this bill, Republicans have set their eyes on the CLASS Act, which when implemented, will help provide some relief to aging Americans as well as to those who love and care for them. The CLASS program was designed to combat the rapidly increasing cost of long-term care, costs that currently account for nearly half of all health care spending in this country, by helping enrollees in this program to afford a variety of long-term care services, such as home modifications, assistive technology, accessible transportation, respite care, home health care aids and nursing support. Currently, long-term care facilities cost on average $70,000 per year, and home health care aides can cost $25 per hour in some areas. How many middle class families can afford that? I understand the concerns that my Republican colleagues have voiced. As currently structured, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the program will not be solvent beyond about 2029, about 20 years from now. But what is the Republicans' knee-jerk solution to all budget issues?…”