Political Quotes

“this week marks the 30th birthday of Medicare, very important health care program for our senior citizens, and this week is very important, that we look to Medicare and see how we can strengthen, preserve, and protect Medicare. We have heard disturbing news, however, that Medicare, as strong as it has been, as much good as it has done, could be in trouble unless we make some changes. Currently the Medicare board of trustees has reported in a bipartisan fashion to the Clinton administration that in fact, if Medicare is not preserved, protected, and improved within 7 years' time, the Medicare funds will be depleted. In fact, the hospital insurance trust fund, which pays beneficiaries' bills, begins to run a deficit in the near future. Only 2 years following the initial problems we will find there to be $126 billion in the hole. Republicans and some reform-minded Democrats in the House of Representatives recognize the gravity of the situation, Mr. Speaker, we know that Medicare must be protected for the sake of current and future generations.”