[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 13081]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                MEDICARE

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, 48 years ago this week, President Lyndon 
Johnson signed into law legislation that formally established Medicare 
and Medicaid--promises to seniors that following a lifetime of hard 
work, they'd be able to retire with economic security and peace of mind 
and always have access to the guarantee of quality, affordable health 
care.
  For nearly half a century, Medicare has provided critical benefits 
and health care services for seniors in my home State of Rhode Island 
and all across this country. Today, nearly 200,000 Rhode Islanders 
receive Medicare benefits. Despite it's remarkable success, the promise 
made through Medicare has come under attack in recent years from my 
friends on the other side of the aisle.
  This week, instead of working with Democrats to address the many 
challenges facing our country, House Republicans are holding their 40th 
vote to undermine the Affordable Care Act, a historic health care 
reform that strengthens Medicare and ensures it can continue to serve 
seniors today and for generations to come.
  Our constituents deserve better. Let's set aside partisan politics 
and commit to preserving Medicare so it will continue to provide 
critical benefits for hardworking seniors in my home State of Rhode 
Island and all across this great Nation.

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