[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 25795]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              HEALTH CARE

  (Mr. GUTHRIE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I not only have 
the responsibility of looking out for future generations, but also a 
duty to ensure that we are doing all we can to take care of our 
seniors. Real reform needs to make health care more affordable and more 
accessible. Unfortunately, the bills being crafted by the majority 
could threaten the health care benefits seniors already receive while 
raising premiums.
  The plan currently in the House makes massive cuts to Medicare which 
the Congressional Budget Office anticipates will increase seniors' 
Medicare prescription drug premiums by 20 percent over the next decade.
  For those who live on a fixed income, the possibility of having to 
pay more is very worrisome.
  Their plan also includes cutting $162 billion from Medicare 
Advantage, a program widely supported by the seniors because of its 
choices and affordability.
  We should focus on ensuring Medicare continues to be there for our 
seniors, not cutting their benefits to fund an unproven proposal.

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