[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H9595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PRESERVE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Speaker, last Friday eight Democrats remained 
steadfast listening to the hogwash in the Ways and Means so-called 
Medicare hearings. I regret to say that as the hearings ended there was 
a paltry three Republicans remaining expressing how little sincere 
interest they have in this so-called document that preserves Medicare.
  Today I have just heard from my Republican colleague, the prior 
speaker, saying that Republicans joined Democrats in the 1960's to put 
Medicare forward. Let me tell Members that my historians tell me there 
was not one single Republican vote that helped past Medicare 
legislation, but yet there are today a whole bunch of votes to 
undermine it by cutting $270 billion from Medicare in order to put the 
blame on our senior citizens.
  What is in this so-called Medicare preservation package sponsored by 
Republicans. Well, I will tell Members, it is to dispossess and put out 
senior citizens, who need long-term care in nursing homes. It is the 
blame game on doctors and hospitals in rural and urban communities. It 
is high premiums for senior citizens who have to make choices between 
frequent prescription drugs and the ability to keep the lights on and 
the doors open in their residences.
  Do we want to save Medicare, Mr. Speaker? I do and I am ready to 
discuss with my Republican colleagues any time they want to the 
elimination of $270 billion in draconian Medicare cuts. I want to save 
Medicare so that all Americans can have good health care like the 
Democrats provided for 30 years since 1965.



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