[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 19153]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                IT IS TIME FOR ACTION ON MEDICARE REFORM

  (Mr. BURNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 38th 
anniversary of Medicare.
  Medicare has faithfully provided health care to nearly 40 million 
Americans. However, as Medicare nears its 40th year it is in a terrible 
crisis; a crisis of confidence, a crisis of finance, and a crisis of 
direction.
  You see, Mr. Speaker, medical care is not the same today that it was 
38 years ago. That is why I supported H.R. 1, legislation that will 
finally grant America's seniors the health care choice and prescription 
drug benefits that they have waited almost 4 decades to enjoy. It is 
time for action. I urge my colleagues to join with me in protecting, 
preserving, and enhancing Medicare.

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