[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 165 (Tuesday, October 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MEDICARE PRESERVATION ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 1995

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2425) to 
     amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to preserve and 
     reform the Medicare Program, with Mr. Linder in the chair.

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Chairman, last year Republicans in Congress 
blocked efforts to pass legislation that would have guaranteed health 
care to all Americans. Now Republicans propose a bill, H.R. 2425, which 
guts the health care safety net for older Americans. Medicare is our 
contract with American families, illustrating our commitment to 
enabling seniors to live in dignity and independence. H.R. 2425 is a 
direct attack on this contract and reneges on our commitment to older 
Americans, leaving them to face the high cost of health care alone at a 
time when they are at their most vulnerable.
  H.R. 2425 cuts the Medicare Program by $270 billion over the next 7 
years. The Republicans in Congress state that these cuts are necessary 
to save the Medicare Program, but the cuts are far too deep and would 
create increased uncertainty and instability. The Medicare Trustees' 
Report states that Medicare will become insolvent in 2002, a fact that 
we must seriously address. However, by reducing Medicare funding by $90 
billion, we can assure the Medicare trust fund's viability through 
2006. H.R. 2425, despite the massive $270 billion cut, would still only 
assure Medicare solvency through 2006--the same year.
  Instead of saving Medicare, Republicans are more interested in 
providing a $245 billion tax-giveaway for the wealthiest Americans. 
Clearly, without the tax break, a smaller and more reasonable reduction 
in Medicare spending would be possible. However, Republicans refuse to 
acknowledge the recklessness of their actions and insist on maintaining 
a tax windfall for their wealthy friends. My commitment, I can assure 
you, remains with senior citizens, not these fat cat contributors and I 
intend to oppose H.R. 2425.
  The Democrat's substitute, addresses the real issues facing Medicare. 
By reducing funding by $90 billion over the next 7 years, we will shore 
up the Medicare trust fund through 2006. This gives us more than a 
decade to work on significant and sensible reforms to assure Medicare 
will always be there for those who need it. In addition, a major 
component of the Democratic proposal would combat fraud and abuse which 
costs Medicare $18 billion each year. The Republican plan does not 
adequately address this issue and in fact makes it easier for fraud to 
go undetected.
  I prevail upon my colleagues to stand up for America's senior 
citizens. Vote against H.R. 2425. Do not abandon your commitment to 
their health and security in old age.

                          ____________________