[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 161 (Wednesday, October 18, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H10210-H10211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BACK DOOR DEALS ON MEDICARE

  (Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)

[[Page H 10211]]

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you how Republicans write 
Medicare legislation.
  When wealthy doctors are dissatisfied with how the Medicare bill will 
affect them--they negotiate a back door deal with Republicans and 
suddenly--they get a deal worth millions and do not have to share the 
burden of the $270 billion cut with seniors.
  When HMO's want to make more money--they make a back door deal with 
Republicans and suddenly Medicare legislation includes provisions that 
will force thousands of seniors into managed care plans.
  Yet, when seniors wanted to come out in the open to discuss their 
concerns about Medicare--they got no back door deals, they got 
arrested.
  Mr. Speaker, this is no way to write policies. Medicare reform should 
help people get better--not worse.

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