[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 27, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H1583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           REPUBLICAN BUDGET

  (Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the 
budget, contrasting the Republican plan, which would actually 
strengthen and extend Medicare, and the President's plan that would 
actually maybe allow Medicare to go bankrupt only 2 years later than it 
would otherwise.
  One particular provision in the President's budget, a cut in 
reimbursement to critical access hospitals, would endanger access to 
nearby hospital care for millions of seniors, including those served by 
the 48 critical access facilities in Nebraska's Third District.
  However, the Republican budget provides an alternative which ensures 
access to care without relying on arbitrary cuts. Our plan would also 
focus future Federal support on the sick and poor, while ensuring no 
change for those at or near retirement.
  Madam Speaker, inaction now will only guarantee Medicare is more 
problematic in future years. We must act now to ensure it remains 
solvent for those who depend on it most.

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