Neal Marks 60th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid
SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement marking the 60th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson signing Medicare and Medicaid into law:
“For 60 years, Medicare and Medicaid have represented a sacred promise: that we take care of our own. Nearly every family in America is part of this legacy. From seniors and people with disabilities to families facing illness or hard times— including kids whose parents work hard but just need a little help, these programs have allowed hundreds of millions to access health care, live with dignity, and build strong futures.".
“While essential, these lifelines have never been more at risk than they are today. Instead of honoring and expanding these pillars of American health care, Republicans have used their trifecta to pass the greatest theft of health care in history, with plans to go even further.
“As President Johnson said at these programs’ founding, ‘we are going to fight for medical care for the aged as long as we have breath in our body.’ The fight continues. Democrats are committed to not only protecting Medicare and Medicaid but also strengthening and expanding them to deliver on the full promise of health security for every American, for the next 60 years and beyond.”
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