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Statement By The Honorable Mike Bilirakis

Chairman of the Health and Environment Subcommittee
March 6, 1998

MR. CHAIRMAN,
It is an honor and a privilege for me to serve as a member of the Bipartisan Medicare Commission.

As the Chairman of the Health and Environment subcommittee and someone who represents many seniors back home, I have seen first hand the problems facing the current Medicare system. I am proud to have served as part of the congressional negotiating team which restored financial solvency to Medicare until 2010. But as baby boomers retire, we will have to face this critical issue once again.

As commission members, we have been given a monumental task and, at the same time a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the Medicare program for our children and grandchildren.

As the commission develops its recommendations, I believe that it is imperative that commission members remain open-minded to new concepts and ideas. No door should be closed during these discussions. No suggestions should be disregarded.

Good, solid principles are developed through creativity and open-mindedness. Our senior citizens and future beneficiaries have great expectations of this Medicare commission - let's not disappoint them.

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