[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 9, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H4553-H4554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           REFORMING MEDICARE

  (Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, anyone reading the paper or 
watching the news last week knows that Medicare is on the front line in 
the battles that lie ahead. Seniors are watching and what they see is 
troubling. Yes, we do need to reform Medicare--but there is a right way 
and a wrong way. Last year we had the chance to strengthen Medicare the 
right way--in the context of health 
[[Page H4554]] care reform. Now we have to make up for a lost 
opportunity. And now seniors will bear the burden and pay the price for 
gridlock. Let us agree that the first rule of reform will be the same 
as it is in medicine: First, do no harm.
  Let us agree to put partisan interests aside and put seniors first.
  Let us agree that while good health care requires choice, managed 
care, when it is just managed profit, is wrong.
  That prevention, home care, prescription medicine is quality health 
care for high quality lives.
  Finally, let us pledge that we will not destroy Medicare in our 
effort to reform Medicare.


                          ____________________