[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 167 (Thursday, October 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MEDICARE PRESERVATION ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    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:

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in 
strong opposition to the Medicare Preservation Act of 1995, H.R. 2425.
  The Republican leadership is constantly saying ``trust us'' when it 
comes to deep cuts in Medicare. Yet, the Republicans can't even keep 
their word about hearings, and we're supposed to trust them about what 
they have in store for our doctors, our hospitals, and our senior 
citizens.
  Republicans are cutting Medicare to pay for tax cuts for the rich and 
special interests. They can call it whatever they like, but it's still 
a cut and it will be paid for by one of our most vulnerable 
populations, seniors.
  The bill makes the most sweeping changes in the Medicare Program 
since its establishment in 1965. For 30 years, Medicare has helped to 
assure that older and disabled Americans get the health care they need, 
while lessening the burden on families who might otherwise be 
responsible for paying the medical bills of ailing parents and 
grandparents.
  Under the Medicare Preservation Act of 1995, the elderly will be 
forced to make choices between paying for health care and paying their 
heating bills. Hospitals, dependent on Medicare revenue will be forced 
to significantly cut back service or close altogether, leaving 
countless rural residents miles from health care facilities. Community 
economies will falter as hospitals close, laying off workers and making 
it more difficult to attract new economic development.
  Do I want to improve Medicare? Yes. Should we continue to look for 
efficiencies in this program? By all means. But not at the expense of 
unnecessary increased costs, fewer benefits, loss of choices, and lower 
quality medical care for our senior citizens and for disabled people to 
whom we made the promise of Medicare 30 years ago.

                          ____________________