Harmful Budget

Floor Speech

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Mr. MRVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my profound disappointment in the House budget resolution and the severe potential harm it will cause to those who rely on Medicaid benefits in northwest Indiana.

In Indiana's First Congressional District alone, it is a fact that the overwhelming majority of Medicaid funding goes directly to senior healthcare, individuals with disabilities, children, and senior long- term care.

Indiana is also one of the few trigger States in our Nation, which means that Medicaid benefits will immediately cease for a large percentage of our residents should the Federal proportion of assistance fall below 90 percent.

I am a staunch supporter of creating efficiencies and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. However, Mr. Speaker, make no mistake: Should this legislative initiative be finalized, not only will benefits be denied to those in need, but private health insurance costs will skyrocket as hospitals seek to recoup that increased uncompensated care from emergency room visits.

I will continue to speak out against and oppose all legislation that takes real benefits from our seniors, the disabled, and our children to pay for corporate welfare programs.

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