[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H5607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
               50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, July 30, marks the 50th 
anniversary of Lyndon Johnson's signing of the Social Security Act 
Amendments of 1965 into law and of creating Medicare and Medicaid in 
order to meet the healthcare needs of seniors, individuals with 
disabilities, and working families.
  Today, 55 million Americans receive Medicare benefits, and 69 million 
Americans rely on the healthcare safety net that Medicaid provides. One 
in three American children receives his health insurance coverage 
through Medicaid. In Rhode Island's First District, which I am proud to 
represent, more than 92,000 individuals receive Medicare benefits, and 
almost 100,000 receive Medicaid coverage.
  Mr. Speaker, health care is a necessity of life, and access to 
quality health care should be a right for everyone and never a 
privilege of the few. Over the last half century, Medicare and Medicaid 
have provided millions of Americans with access to quality, affordable 
health care. It is critical that we strengthen these essential 
programs, enhance benefits, and make sure that all Americans can live 
with healthcare security and dignity.

                          ____________________