[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 123 (Thursday, July 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  A NOT-SO-HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR MEDICARE

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 27, 1995
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th 
anniversary of the Medicare Program--a program that has successfully 
provided much-needed health care benefits to millions of older 
Americans.
  Unfortunately, there is a very dark side to this week's celebration. 
Medicare is under attack, and the new majority threatens to make deep 
and dangerous cuts in this critical program.
  Their disdain for the Medicare system is not new. These are the same 
uncaring folks who 30 years ago claimed that Medicare was socialized 
medicine. The same people who fought every expansion of the program. 
The same people who last year, given the chance to save our health care 
system, said there was no crisis.
  And now, the new majority has targeted Medicare to pay for their tax 
cuts for the wealthy. In return, 37 million seniors--people who have 
worked hard, paid their taxes all their life--will see their Medicare 
benefits slashed and their quality of care eroded.
  Dipping into Medicare to make up for an unrelated tax cut is quite 
simply an outrage. Medicare is a sacred compact with America's 
seniors--not a fiscal candy jar.
  Next year when we celebrate Medicare's anniversary, I want to be able 
to look seniors straight in the eye and say ``yes, we have kept our 
word, and we have honored the compact we made with you.''
  I know I'll keep my promise and I hope a new, new majority will do 
the same.


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