[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 3, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H4513-H4514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        TIME TO BRING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE INTO THE BUDGET DEBATE

  (Mr. BENTSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, the Republican majority is getting ready to 
make dramatic changes in the Medicare program. I am concerned that the 
American people will not be included in this debate.
  The Republican majority has already missed the deadline to submit a 
budget. To balance the budget and save $1 trillion over 7 years will be 
a difficult task, I admit. However, the Republican majority should 
submit a plan which we all can review. The Republican majority makes 
promises without making the tough choices on how to achieve their 
goals.
  The Republican majority plans to cut Medicare by $300 billion over 7 
years. These cuts will hurt seniors and result in higher costs. It is 
estimated that this will add $900 in out-of-pocket expenses for seniors 
in 2002.
  Democrats have been responsible in reforming Medicare. In the 1993 
OBRA bill, Democrats voted to strengthen the trust fund and made it 
solvent for an additional 3 years. No Republican Members supported 
these important reforms.
  I am also concerned that any Medicare cuts will affect the health 
care industry. In my district, reduction in indirect medical education 
and direct medical education will have devastating consequences. I 
represent the Texas Medical Center which has two medical schools. Any 
medicare reductions in these payments will negatively impact the 
Houston area, and I will work vigorously to oppose these reductions.
  If we are going to balance the budget, the American people should be 
involved and we should all contribute fairly to the solution. Without a 
plan, 
[[Page H4514]] I cannot judge whether this goal will be met.
  The American people deserve to know the details of a plan and we have 
the responsibility to ensure that they are included in this debate.


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