On the recordOctober 9, 2015
Today we were talking about jobs and H.R. 702, and I supported the legislation to create jobs for my district and for America, and to provide opportunities to ensure the national security and protect the environment. We also have to realize our seniors that helped build this country. Today I joined in legislation, Seniors Deserve a Raise, to be able to connect these seniors to a cost-of-living increase related to the Consumer Price Index. But there is a gross problem that is coming up, and that is the doubling of the cost of Medicare part B. For 30 percent of beneficiaries in 2016, their cost is projected to increase by 52 percent, from $154 to $159. This increase will be accompanied by an increase in the part B deductible, from $147 to $223. Congress must act to protect the approximately 6 million Medicare beneficiaries who will see a significant increase in their Medicare premiums and deductible. It is very important to realize that my State of Texas would have a $159 million increase. It is my intention to introduce legislation, a sense of Congress, that indicates that Congress must act to protect our seniors. They helped build this Nation. What are we doing to help them? Give them a raise and protect their Medicare. ____________________
