Washington, Jul 24, 2008 - House Conference Secretary John Carter (TX-31) made the following statement today expressing his disappointment in the Democrats’ plan to abolish the Medicare trigger, established by the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act.  This early warning system, created by Republicans, alerts Congress when Medicare is running out of money.

“It’s been said too many times without being heard; Medicare, one of our country’s largest entitlement program, is quickly dying. 

“It is wrong that Democrats would propose a bill to eliminate the warning system designed to keep this program afloat.  You wouldn’t take the batteries out of your smoke detector, so why would you eliminate the warning system on a massive government program that our seniors depend on? 

“This is irresponsible and incredibly reckless legislation that will hurt our seniors and leave Medicare in shambles.”