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Democrats say Republican budget sacrifices Medicare for tax cutsBy Ann Curley/CNN
March 18, 1999 WASHINGTON (March 18) -- Flanked by a group of senior citizens, House and Senate Democrats held a rally slamming the GOP budget proposal, saying it sacrifices the ailing Medicare program for tax cuts. At the heart of the matter is a Republican budget proposal calling for the use of projected budget surpluses to fund billions of dollars in unspecified tax cuts, along with $1.8 trillion over 10 years to save the ailing Social Security program. Democrats object to the plan, saying Republicans are choosing tax cuts over Medicare and are cutting domestic programs favored by Democrats. President Bill Clinton's budget proposal uses the projected surpluses to pony up $1.3 trillion over 10 years for Social Security, as well as locking away part of the remaining surplus to bolster Medicare. "Now the choice for all Americans could not be more clear -- a Republican budget that trades away Medicare's solvency for tax cuts or our Democratic budget that strengthens Medicare, pays down the debt and invests in our future. That's the choice," said Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-South Dakota). House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-Missouri) echoed those sentiments. "We all know where Republicans stand: on the side of the wealthiest people who will get the lion's share of the tax cuts, not on the side of middle income families who depend on Medicare as a lifeline for their health and retirement security," Gephardt said. |
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MORE STORIES:Thursday, March 18, 1999
• Business leaders condemn U.S. election financing • Democrats say Republican budget sacrifices Medicare for tax cuts • Court clears way for Justice investigation of Starr • House OKs missile defense plan • David Duke files for Congressional race • Judge dismisses count against Hubbell • Democrats revive campaign funding bill • Senate saves independent counsel funding • Poll: Mrs. Clinton ahead in New York race • Government estimates Y2K cost at $6.8B • Debate opens over HMO rights • Term limits backer rethinks pledge • Web sites to play role in 2000 race • House leaders consider pay raise • GOP budgets, emphasizing tax cuts, Social Security, move forward | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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