[Page H2975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY

  (Mr. VAN DREW asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to the importance of 
honoring our government handshake agreements.
  Medicare and Social Security are cornerstones of America's safety 
net. Social Security enables millions of Americans to retire with 
invaluable peace of mind, and Medicare is an effective tool that 
provides greater healthcare to millions and millions of Americans.
  These programs are a golden handshake agreement between the Federal 
Government and the people of the United States that must be honored, 
and I will not stand for any attempts to undermine our commitment.
  Our seniors rely on Social Security and Medicare, and it is our 
responsibility to ensure that these programs are always there for them.
  Our word is our bond. Keeping the promises made to the people is 
essential to the success of our Nation and to the success of our 
government.

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