Hochul Calls On Congress To Protect Medicare, Pay Our Debt, And Move On With Business

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul took to the floor of the House of Representatives and challenged lawmakers, from both sides of the aisle, to join her in voting to pay off our debt, while still ensuring that programs like Medicare continue to remain solvent for our seniors and future seniors.

"This high stakes game of chicken -- with the inevitable wreckage that will ensue -- didn't have to come to this," said Congresswoman Hochul. "The American people, who voted for us and put their faith in us, didn't want this to happen. They wonder if anyone in Washington is listening, and rightfully so.

Over the last few weeks, Members of Congress have been debating raising the national debt ceiling by August 2nd, or risk the U.S. defaulting on its credit. Caught in the middle of this debate are senior citizens, who rely on Social Security and Medicare for their health care.

Hochul added, "It is wrong, plain and simply wrong for our inaction to result in the default of America's obligations. And it is doubly wrong that seniors on Medicare now live in uncertainty, wondering what cuts will occur, and whether Congress will break the promise made to our elderly Americans 46 years ago this week."

Congresswoman Hochul believes we need to "pay our debts, give our seniors the security they deserve and get on with the business of the people, before it is too late."

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