Political Quotes

On the recordFebruary 9, 1994
not only did they underestimate the cost for the first 5 years, but Government actuaries at the time, in 1965, estimated that 25 years down the road Medicare would cost $12 billion, and instead it cost over nine times that much. And I think that is why so many people are skeptical of some of these initial cost estimates. President Clinton estimated or his administration estimated that his plan would cost $700 billion over the first 5 years. But within a few days Newsweek had a cover which said ``Clinton's Trillion Dollar Cure,'' and many people think even those estimates are low. I have heard it said if you think health care is expensive now, wait until it is free, and I think there surely is some truth in that.
Said by
John J. Duncan
Tennessee

Editor's note · Context

The speaker discusses skepticism regarding government cost estimates for healthcare programs.

Share

More from John J. Duncan

Mar 23, 1994

Mr. Speaker, I rise simply to say this: A comment was made a few minutes ago that if this body adopted my motion to recommit, it would unduly delay this bill for quite some time. I think the truth is to the contrary. The language that is…

govinfo.gov
Feb 6, 2006

Having a wildlife refuge or a national memorial that only bureaucrats can visit does not make a whole lot of sense.

congress.gov
Nov 9, 1999

Walter Kennedy set an example that we should all try to follow. He was truly a great American and gave tirelessly to many good causes.

congress.gov
Jan 27, 2009

We simply cannot afford this so-called stimulus package. All it is, is really a short-term fix for our addiction to spending.

transcripts.cnn.com

Other voices in this conversation