[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 25, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H7561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                                MEDICARE

  (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Republicans are accusing 
Democrats of scaring senior citizens. Seniors should be scared because 
we do not have a plan yet from the Republicans, only leaked documents 
that lead us to believe Republicans plan to cut the program 
substantially. And so I ask one question: Why the secret or the stealth 
attack on Medicare? Why are the Republicans proposing deep and 
devastating cuts in the programs for seniors over the next 7 years? 
Well, they would answer they are trying to save the program from 
bankruptcy. At least that is what they have been told to say by their 
pollsters. They are being told to tell them you are saving the program, 
but they are really gutting it.
  Let us think back to the last session of Congress, the 103d session, 
when Republicans attacked the Democratic plan to shore up Medicare. I 
remember there was not one Republican vote that helped pass that plan.
  Now let us ask: Why are you raiding Medicare to balance the budget 
while at the same time providing huge tax cuts that almost equal the 
same amount that you are cutting for Medicare over the next 7 years?
  Frankly, if it were up to Republicans, Medicare would not even exist 
today. But for many years now, Medicare has proven time and time again 
that it is one of the true success stories of our Government. It has 
dramatically improved the health care of our seniors and never again 
will older Americans have to choose between health care and rent or 
food.


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