[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 172 (Thursday, November 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2104-E2105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MEDICARE PRESERVATION ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    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.

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Representative Orton's 
substitute budget, offered on behalf of the Democrats. It is a positive 
alternative.
  It is critical that we balance our budget--particularly for future 
generations. This plan does that without gutting Medicare, without 
eliminating Medicaid, without cutting student loans and without adding 
provisions that threaten our environment. This budget creates solid 
footing for this Nation's economy. It doesn't ask our children and 
elderly to go without medical care so that wealthy individuals can 
receive a $245 billion tax cut.
  Unlike the Republican budget plan, this substitute protects health 
insurance for the poor and the elderly. First, it increases preventive 
benefits for the elderly. At the same time, it ensures that the monthly 
Medicare premium paid by beneficiaries does not increase. The 
Republicans, under their budget, ask seniors to pay more in monthly 
premiums. The Orton substitute continues paying premiums and 
deductibles for low-income Medicare recipients. The Republican plan 
does not. This substitute budget maintains Medicaid as an entitlement 
program so that children and pregnant women are guaranteed access to 
health care coverage. The Republicans abolish Medicaid as an 
entitlement, tearing away guaranteed health insurance for two out of 
every five of our Nation's children. Restricting Medicaid benefits will 
add to the already high number of uninsured individuals.
  The Republican budget cuts student loans. Education programs, 
particularly, student loans would be preserved under this budget. 
Education is the essential foundation on which we continue to build the 
future of our Nation.
  Finally, this substitute plan protects and tightens the earned income 
tax credit [EITC]. Under the Republican budget, childless couples and 
senior citizens who work would no longer receive this credit. It seems 
ironic that 

[[Page E 2105]]
Republicans want to eliminate and limit a credit that rewards working 
individuals. The EITC has been supported by Republican and Democratic 
Presidents and previous Congresses.
  This substitute balances the budget in 7 years without attacking 
families, children, students or senior citizens. It protects health 
care, preserve educational assistance and continues economic help to 
the needy. Most important, this plan does not include a huge tax 
break--that most individuals don't want or need. This substitute 
disciplines spending and that discipline will ultimately add to 
America's competitiveness in a global economy and keep faith with our 
citizens now and into our future.

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