The Solvency of Medicare

Statement

During my recent conversations with constituents across the district, some of you have expressed concern over the solvency of Medicare. I want to take a minute to explain how the 2012 Republican budget will protect and preserve the program.

As promised, the new Republican House majority took one important step in the direction of fiscal responsibility by passing the 2012 budget plan last month. In addition to proposing over $6 trillion in spending cuts and $4.2 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade, the budget also aims to protect and preserve Medicare for seniors--a program which would become insolvent in just nine years if we do not enact program-saving reforms.

The Republican plan makes no changes to the program for those currently 55 and over. But for those 54 and under, the plan will infuse greater competition and flexibility into Medicare, which will in turn drive costs down and preserve the program for generations to come. As a candidate for Congress, I spoke often of the need to restore common sense and fiscal order to Washington--not only to ensure that our government has the means to keep its commitments to those who have already given so much to our country, but also to make certain that we do not saddle future generations with problems that we have an obligation to correct today.

After the White House and Congressional Democrats slashed half a trillion dollars from current Medicare recipients last year when they passed the Obama-Pelosi health care bill, it is deeply disappointing to now see the White House and my colleagues across the aisle striking a death blow to Medicare by opposing the House-passed 2012 budget and standing by idly as the program spirals quickly toward bankruptcy. As we continue to take on the tough tasks and make the difficult decisions that are required to successfully govern a country on the verge of a fiscal crisis, I sincerely hope that the White House and my colleagues on the left will agree to join Republicans in our efforts to substantially cut spending, protect Medicare and pass the pro-growth policies we need to strengthen our economy.

As we continue this discussion, I look forward to hearing your input. As always, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3867 or my Canton office at (330) 489-4414.

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