WASHINGTON – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said Monday that the Republicans’ budget proposal would hurt seniors and Iowa Democrats joined her criticism, saying seniors should not have to pay more for health care.
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan released a budget plan April 1, according to Democrats, it would raise prescription prices and jeopardize Medicare by privatization.
“Millionaires, over Medicare… giving tax cuts… and making seniors pay more for prescription drugs.” Pelosi said. “It’s appalling.” that House Democrats’ budget would be unveiled this week.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which researches ways to improve the lives of low- and middle-income Americans, the Ryan budget would cut Medicaid by at least $2.7 trillion. The Ryan budget proposes to eliminate the deficit in 10 years, it would turn Medicare into a voucher system, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and include corporate tax cuts that would cost $5 trillion over a decade, according to the center.
“Instead of focusing on growing the economy and creating jobs, this budget once again tries to balance the budget on the back of seniors, farmers, working families, and those who are less fortunate..” Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, said in a statement. “Americans deserve better and they deserve a budget that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and connected.”
“It would be devastating for America’s seniors” because, in addition to the Medicare privatization, it would slash spending on programs like Meals on Wheels “that many seniors rely on to make ends meet..” Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa said.
In Iowa, adults age 65 and older comprise about 15 percent of the population according to the U.S. Census Bureau, totaling more than 450,000 seniors.
“After a lifetime of hard work, Americans deserve to enjoy their golden years.” Said Harkin, who himself plans to retire in 2015 after more than 30 years in Congress. “Unfortunately the Ryan budget would make it nearly impossible for seniors to do so. It is for that reason that it is dead on arrival in the U.S. Senate.”
But Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, cited political manipulation in response to Democrats’ attacks on the Ryan bill.
“It’s intellectually dishonest to try to have it both ways.” Grassley said.
“It’s hard to see Senate Democrats’ plan to deal with deficits and debt when they don’t put one forward” Grassley said. “Meanwhile, Rep. Ryan is trying to advance the public debate on spending, deficits and debt. It’s a conversation we need to have, and it would be productive to reach some solutions with bipartisan agreement.”
Republican Rep. of Iowa’s 4th district, Steve King could not be reached for a statement and fellow Republican Rep. Tom Latham of the 3rd District declined to comment.