[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 19, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H7183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MEDICARE CUTS BEING FINANCED BY TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY

  (Mr. de la GARZA asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. de la GARZA. Mr. Speaker, this morning we've gathered to talk 
about the Medicare Program--it's health and its future, and 
specifically impending cuts. In recent weeks we've heard a lot of facts 
and figures, and we'll hear even more in the weeks to come as we 
proceed with our work. As we do, however, I think what we have to keep 
first and foremost in mind is that we're not talking just about 
numbers, or charts, or abstract concepts. What we're talking about is 
the Nation's seniors and their health and health care. I regard this to 
be among the most important issues we will address in this Congress.
  Medicare is a program that is approaching its 30th anniversary. It is 
a program that has resulted in virtually universal coverage for the 
elderly. When I say this, I am referring to the fact that 99.1 percent 
of Americans over age 65 have health insurance coverage. There was a 
time when that wasn't the case, and that time was not all that long 
ago.
  As we proceed with this debate, I think we all recognize and concur 
on both sides that there are many areas where we should look to make 
improvements. The task before us is how do we accomplish this goal in 
the most effective way.
  One way is to reduce fraud and abuse. Every year millions of dollars 
are lost to health care fraud. That is why I am so pleased to see that 
the Department of Health and Human Services has formed a national 
hotline to report health care fraud involving the Medicare and Medicaid 
Programs. This tough new antifraud initiative is known as Operation 
Restore Trust. Its toll-free number is 1-800-HHS-TIPS [1-800-447-8477]. 
This is certainly a
 very strong weapon to fight health care fraud. However, it is an 
effort that will not be successful unless individuals participate in 
this fight. I encourage all citizens to help.

  Now with specific regard to cuts we have heard our majority 
colleagues say they want to cut $270 billion out of Medicare. What I 
find difficult to fathom is that the beneficiaries of these cuts will 
be those who are quite affluent and who do not need this type relief. 
Based on the current plans we have seen to overhaul Medicare, 
approximately 37 million beneficiaries will have their Medicare 
benefits cut.
  The facts are as follows:
  Those who get a tax break are the wealthiest 13 percent of seniors;
  Those who pay for the tax break are the poorest 22 percent of 
seniors;
  The average interest income of those who receive the tax break 
exceeds the total income of those who don't;
  And over 4 million seniors of modest means will see a dramatic 
increase in their out-of-pocket costs.
  This, to me, is grossly wrong. We should not cut benefits to one 
group that is so in need just to give a tax break to another. That is 
something I cannot condone nor can I support.
  What we need to do is work to correct the program. We need to see 
that it works better and more efficiently--that it is a more 
streamlined and economic program. We must ensure America's seniors that 
Medicare will be around for the next 30 years. That must be the goal 
toward which we work. It certainly is mine.

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