RI Congressional Delegation Stands By Medicare Pledge

RI Congressional Delegation Stands By Medicare Pledge

Democrats claim the American Jobs Act will create thousands of jobs by offering tax breaks to businesses hiring veterans and the unemployed, but concerns from the liberal wing of the Party have been raised over the President’s comments on Medicare and Medicaid Thursday night.

Obama didn’t make it clear that he plans to make cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, but he did indicated a need to make adjustments to the system.

“This approach is basically the one I’ve been advocating for months,” Obama said during his speech. “In addition to the trillion dollars of spending cuts I’ve already signed into law, it’s a balanced plan that would reduce the deficit by making additional spending cuts; by making modest adjustments to health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid; and by reforming our tax code in a way that asks the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations to pay their fair share. What’s more, the spending cuts wouldn’t happen so abruptly that they’d be a drag on our economy, or prevent us from helping small business and middle-class families get back on their feet right away.”

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Obama directly addressed Medicare during his speech, suggesting a need to reform the current system.

“Now, I realize there are some in my party who don’t think we should make any changes at all to Medicare and Medicaid, and I understand their concerns,” Obama said. “But here’s the truth. Millions of Americans rely on Medicare in their retirement. And millions more will do so in the future. They pay for this benefit during their working years. They earn it. But with an aging population and rising health care costs, we are spending too fast to sustain the program. And if we don’t gradually reform the system while protecting current beneficiaries, it won’t be there when future retirees need it. We have to reform Medicare to strengthen it. “

Senator Whitehouse: We Can Preserve Medicare

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse’s bill to include tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed workers was considered a victory for the Senator, but Whitehouse said there are other options before cutting Medicare.

“Senator Whitehouse believes we can achieve savings and preserve Medicare by reforming our health care delivery system, fighting waste, fraud, and abuse, and by allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices, Whitehouse spokesman Seth Larson said. “There is no need to cut benefits and he will fight efforts to do so.”

Senator Reed Won’t Cut Medicare

Senator Jack Reed agreed with Whitehouse’s comments. Spokesman Chip Unruh said Reed does not support cuts to Medicare.

Unruh said Reed wants to look at other options.

“Senator Reed would need to see the details of the specific proposal, but getting rid of outrageous giveaways like billions in tax subsidies for big oil or companies that ship jobs overseas should be on the table first,” he said.

Cicilline: Cost Cutting Is Okay

In an interview with GoLocalProv Thursday night, Congressman David Cicilline said he would look at the details before commenting on potential cuts to Medicare. He said the President never mentioned cuts in his speech.

“I am fighting hard to protect Medicare, and oppose benefit cuts," he said. "I believe Medicare reflects important American values, and will do all I can to strengthen Medicare for all future generations,”

Lanagevin Has Opposed Cuts

Congressman James Langevin did not response to a request for comment Friday, but as recently as a few months ago, he has said he is against cuts to Medicare.

“Entitlement reforms are possible, as demonstrated by the health care reform bill’s $500 billion in Medicare savings without the privatization Republicans have proposed, but I will not support any reforms that cut Medicare or Social Security benefits for our most vulnerable populations,” Langevin said in July. “We can’t balance the budget solely on the backs of seniors and middle class Americans.”