U.S. Sen. Harkin: Bennet Amendment Protects Seniors And Strengthen Medicare

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today praised the passage of Senator Michael Bennet’s (D-CO) amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which Senator Harkin cosponsored. The amendment says in clear, unambiguous terms that nothing in the Senate health reform legislation will cut guaranteed Medicare benefits. It also says clearly and directly to our seniors that this bill will be used to further protect and strengthen Medicare. The amendment was passed 100 to 0.

“In recent days, opponents of health reform have resorted to scare tactics in a desperate attempt to preserve a system that works for insurance and drug companies but fails the American people,” Senator Harkin said. “The Bennet amendment answers the fear mongers by making crystal clear that nothing in this health reform legislation cuts guaranteed Medicare benefits. It is time for us to say no to those who are trying to strike fear in our seniors. The Bennet Amendment makes clear that any savings that come from Medicare have to go back into Medicare, and that’s the way it ought to be.”

The amendment had the support of the AARP and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.