Pelosi Statement on 46th Anniversary of Medicare

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today to mark the 46th anniversary of Medicare being signed into law, which falls on Saturday:

“Medicare is a bedrock promise to our nation’s seniors: that after a lifetime of work, Americans could count on the stability of reliable, affordable, high-quality health insurance. As we mark Medicare’s 46th birthday, Democrats are fighting to uphold that promise; Republicans are working to end it.

“From their budget to their plan to ‘Cut, Cap, and End Medicare’ to the Republican Default Act, Republicans have repeatedly put our seniors’ health and economic security on the chopping block – all to protect tax breaks for special interests, Big Oil, and corporations that ship jobs overseas. Rather than preserve Medicare, Republicans want to abolish it, cut benefits, raise costs on seniors, and put insurance companies in charge of seniors’ health care.

“Democrats will not let this happen. We will defend Medicare and work to ensure it remains strong and secure for today’s seniors and future generations. As we celebrate 46 years of Medicare, it’s time for Republicans to abandon their assault on America’s seniors and join Democrats to strengthen Medicare, not end it.”

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