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Pelosi Statement on 51st Anniversary of Medicare & Medicaid

August 1, 2016

Contact: Drew Hammill/Caroline Behringer, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement marking the 51st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid being signed into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson on July 30, 1965:

"Fifty one years ago, as he signed Medicare and Medicaid into law, President Lyndon Johnson spoke of the transformational promise of these initiatives for every American. Not only would Medicare and Medicaid provide health security for older and low-income Americans, they would protect the savings of seniors and families as well.

"As President Johnson said, 'No longer will illness crush and destroy the savings that they have so carefully put away over a lifetime so that they might enjoy dignity in their later years. No longer will young families see their own incomes and their own hopes eaten away simply because they are carrying out their deep moral obligation to their parents, and to their uncles, and to their aunts.'

"Today, a stronger America demands that we protect Medicaid and the Medicare guarantee for every American in every generation. House Republicans' Wrong Way agenda to raise the Medicare eligibility to 67 would deal a cruel blow to the hard-working people who need Medicare the most. While Republicans ceaselessly work to cut Medicaid and shatter Medicare's guarantee, Democrats will continue to champion these vital pillars of our society that have brought health, hope and security to hard-working families for generations."

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Issues:Health Care