[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 172 (Thursday, November 2, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H11691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REPUBLICANS CUTTING MEDICARE

  (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, in 1965, Democrats enacted Medicare into 
law over the objections and strong opposition of the Republicans. That 
was then; this is now.

  Then, in 1965, before Medicare, 50 percent of America's elderly had 
no health care insurance.
  Now, in 1995, 99 percent, almost everyone, of our senors have health 
care insurance.
  Then, in 1965, almost one-third of all senior citizens lived in 
poverty.
  Now, in 1995, the poverty rate among elderly Americans had declined 
to a little more than one-tenth.
  According to all reliable information, the Republicans are cutting 
Medicare by at least $100 billion more than the trust fund needs for 
solvency.
  That is now.
  Then, in 1965, the Republicans paid no attention to the solvency of 
Medicare. They fought and voted against the program. One can but 
imagine what they will do now that they are pushing us back to then.

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