OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Medicare

Floor Speech

Date: April 5, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Senior Citizens Unemployed and Low-Income Entitlements and the Safety Net Taxes Government Budget and Spending

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my concern over my Republican colleagues' cheering the impending prospect of a government shutdown, as was reported in the press.

Then, this morning, we wake up to find out that the Republican proposal to address the deficit and debt is not to address major tax loopholes or tax earmarks, but it's to undermine Medicare and to end Medicare as we know it. Now, for decades and decades, we have had this wonderful Medicare program that ensured that our older neighbors live their retirement in dignity. They can see the doctor. If they have to go to the hospital, it is there for them. And a hospice benefit in their last days. This is all at risk now because the new Republican plan announced this morning will end Medicare as we know it by eliminating benefits.

We're not going to stand for it. We're going to stand on the side of our older neighbors to ensure that, yes, they can live their retirement years in dignity and financial security.


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