[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 82 (Wednesday, May 17, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H5086-H5087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PROPOSED CUTS TO MEDICARE AND MEDICAID TITLE

  (Mr. BALDACCI asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, some of our colleagues have proposed 
drastic cuts to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Over the next 7 
years, their budget would cut them by over $465 billion. At the same 
time, their budget proposes a tax break for the people that are earning 
over $250,000 and will cost more than $340 billion over the same 
period.
  I have spoken to several people in my district who would be affected 
by these changes. The comment of one older gentleman struck me as 
particularly on target. He told me that he understood that the Medicare 
system is broken and needs to be fixed. All seniors ask of the 
Congress, he said, is that we make changes in a considered and rational 
way that will actually help to save the system.
  Yes, we must slow the growth in Medicare and Medicaid spending. And 
yes, we must absolutely ensure the solvency of the Medicare Part A 
Trust Fund. America's seniors are willing to contribute their fair 
share to this effort.
  However, we must not balance the budget on the backs of senior 
Americans. Nor should we ask our senior citizens to endure these cuts 
while we use the savings to pay for proposed tax [[Page H5087]] breaks. 
As we repair the Medicare program, and attempt to slow its growth, we 
must do so in the broader context of health care reform to ensure that 
older Americans--and indeed all Americans--have access to quality, 
affordable health care.

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