[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 145 (Monday, September 18, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13712-S13713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MISLEADING ADS TO SENIOR CITIZENS

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, there have been a number of ads run on 
television and newspapers regarding senior citizens programs in my 
State of South Dakota and, I understand, around the country. These ads 
are very misleading. They wrongly allege if current plans by the 
majority in Congress are carried out, certain people will not be able 
to get care for Alzheimer's disease or nursing care or medical 
treatment. These are scare tactics.
  In my own case, I have taken great interest in senior citizens. In 
fact, my father, unfortunately, died of Alzheimer's disease. I have an 
Alzheimer's foundation. I am active on the board of the Alzheimer's 
association nationally and in my State. I have been a champion of 
senior citizens. I am very concerned about their welfare. That is why I 
was concerned greatly when Medicare's trustees--a majority being 
members of President Clinton's own cabinet--declared earlier this year 
that Medicare would go bankrupt unless we do something about it--we who 
hold responsibility.
  A general plan to protect and preserve Medicare has been put forth by 
those courageous enough to be involved with it. I serve as a member of 
the Finance Committee, and I have been a part of the development of 
this plan. Our plan would not cut Medicare, but would slow its rate of 
increase from about 10 percent a year, which is well above inflation, 
to about what President Clinton once called for 2 years ago, about 6 
percent, twice the inflation rate.
  Now, Mr. President, it seems strange to me that all these baseless 
ads imply--and they list me by name in my State--that Senators who are 
trying to save Medicare are somehow forgetting senior citizens and 
people with Alzheimer's disease. I resent that deeply. As one who had a 
father die of Alzheimer's disease, I will not take a back seat to 
anyone regarding the care of senior citizens. I also do not intend to 
sit idly by and let Medicare go bankrupt. Nor will I allow our fiscal 
house be dismantled in order to protect well-intentioned, but wasteful 
or inefficient Government programs. We cannot go around promising 
everybody everything.
  We have a huge deficit that threatens our children's future. We also 
have a Medicare system its trustees' have predicted will go broke if we 
do not do something about it. We can save Medicare by reforming 
Medicare. We can save Medicare by finding greater efficiencies, and 
eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. It means we have to use new 
telecommunication methods and other medical technologies to lower 
costs. It means we have to encourage greater choice in the kinds of 
medical services available to seniors, which would also lower costs. We 
can do all these things and more without cutting Medicare, but by 
slowing its growth rate in order for Medicare to be there for seniors 
well into the next century. And that is very appropriate.
  Now, we should take a look at who is running these ads, at least in 
my State and maybe around the country. Who is disseminating this false 
information?
  First of all, one of the sets of ads is being funded by the American 
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Of course, one 
wouldn't know that by listening or reading the ads, because the ads are 
being run under a different name, the so-called Save America's Families 
Coalition. Another is run by the so-called American Health Care 
Association. I think that there should be truth in advertising here. 
Who are really behind these ads and what is there agenda?
  Let me say that I know there are many sides to American politics. 
However, more and more, ads are being run on television and the radio 
and in the newspapers by front groups that try to hide the true source. 
It is hard to know by the disclaimer exactly who is behind these ads.
  And so, Mr. President, I would say as one who comes from a family who 
has seen the tragedy of Alzheimer's disease firsthand that I am very, 
very concerned. I am concerned about our Nation's seniors. I have 
fought for our 

[[Page S 13713]]
seniors from the very first day I took office as a U.S. Congressman. 
And I will continue to fight for them as a member of the Senate Finance 
Committee. My resolve is stronger than ever. Our first priority for 
seniors is simple: to preserve and protect Medicare. I have just come 
from a meeting working on a comprehensive plan to save Medicare. I 
would hope that instead of running Medi-``scare'' ads, these liberal 
special interest groups would offer real solutions to what President 
Clinton and every Member of Congress believes is a very severe problem. 
I would like to see their ideas, their plans specifically.
  All of us will have to stand on the Senate floor soon and vote up or 
down on these issues within the next few weeks. At that time, our views 
and our votes will be known. Before that occurs, I hope all those 
behind the current ad campaigns will step forward and join in a 
constructive effort to save Medicare. This issue is too important for 
our seniors, and they deserve a constructive dialogue and debate.
  Mr. President, I yield back the balance of my time.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, would the Senator from South Dakota withhold 
that motion?
  Mr. PRESSLER. Yes, I will.
  Mr. FORD addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kentucky is recognized.
  Mr. FORD. I ask unanimous consent that I might proceed as in morning 
business for 2 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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