Budget Reconciliation

House Republicans’ Budget Reconciliation Bill
Jeopardizes Seniors’ Well-Being

The following statement was issued today by Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, in response to the House passage of the Republicans’ Budget Reconciliation Bill:

“Today the House passed the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act. In doing so, they took the country further down the path set by their Budget Committee Chairman, Paul Ryan - a path that jeopardizes seniors' health so that the wealthiest 1% can continue to receive tax breaks. In short, the House passed a reconciliation bill that lays out more spending cuts that target the most vulnerable among us, including seniors.

“Most seriously, the vote today eliminates the $1.7 billion Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) and cuts Medicare and Medicaid for seniors.

“Preserving the SSBG would provide Meals on Wheels to seniors unable to prepare their own food; adult day care services, which enable seniors to remain in their own homes; and funding for programs such as adult foster care and adult protective services, which address the abuse and exploitation of older adults.

“Democrats had offered an amendment that would maintain the Medicare guarantee for all seniors. Democrats also would have protected the social safety net for vulnerable Americans by helping states finance their share of Medicaid expenditures.

“The House Democrats have an alternative that would implement the Buffett Rule - ensuring that the wealthiest pay their fair share - and would inject balance into the process by eliminating subsidies to oil companies.”