While some core Republicans supporters urged lawmakers to hold fast in their budget fight with Democrats, other constituents were angry. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), the author of the Medicare plan, was booed by constituents as he presented the proposal.
The proposal is not expected to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate, but it is sure to be an issue in next year’s elections for the House.
Rep. Charles Bass (R-N.H.) told constituents the country would be “basically ruined” if it did not curb the growth of government, but he was “quickly pushed him back on his heels” by a mostly gray-haired audience, complaining about the Medicare proposal. “By the time he left, he seemed less than wedded to the details,” the Pioneer Press reported.
Rep. Lou Barletta’s (R-Pa.) reminder that the Medicare changeover wouldn’t affect anyone over age 55 didn’t assuage some aging constituents. “You seem to think that because I’m not affected, I won’t care if my niece, my grandson, my child is affected. I do care,” one said. “You said nothing in the campaign about ‘I’m going to change Medicare.’ Now you voted for a plan that will destroy Medicare.”
Read the Pioneer Press report on Medicare.
Related Articles on Republican plans to revamp Medicare:
Newt Gingrich Backs Away From House Medicare Plan
Republican Plans for Medicare, Medicaid Could Decide 2012 Races
GOP Proposal Would Fundamentally Change Medicare, Medicaid
