[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 152 (Wednesday, October 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, AND MEDICAID

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                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 12, 2011

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on the Joint Select 
Committee on Deficit Reduction to not make cuts to vital safety net 
programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
  52.5 Million people received Social Security in 2009 alone--and 3 
million seniors live below the $11,000 federal poverty level.
  Today, 40 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare.
  More than 48 million people rely on Medicaid services.
  Unfortunately, Republicans want to turn back the clock and place 
increasing costly burdens on the backs of America's seniors and their 
families.
  We must not ask seniors to sacrifice benefits before asking the 
wealthiest few and major companies to pay their fair share.
  Seniors have health care security and a greater financial security 
because of these services--we must ensure their protection and avoid 
cuts that will negatively impact job creation.
  We must lower our long-term deficit and work together to find a 
better solution so that America's beneficiaries are not at risk.

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