(Washington) – Today Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement after the passage of the Republican Budget in the U.S. House of Representatives:

"The Republican budget passed in the House will hinder job creation across the country and end the Medicare guarantee. Republican leadership made good on their promise today to protect and promote the ideology of the few instead of standing with the American people. This budget is nothing new from Republican leadership, with breaks to millionaires and billionaires, while balancing our national debt on the backs of those who can least afford it.

"Job creation is the most important goal in our recovering economy. Despite this reality, the Republican budget is estimated to cost over 700,000 jobs this year alone. If this budget became law, Medicare would be changed to a voucher program, effectively shifting more costs on to seniors without addressing long-term health care costs. Costs of medication for Medicare beneficiaries would rise as the donut-hole is re-opened, and access to nursing home care would be compromised because of deep Medicaid cuts.

"House Democrats offered a plan that would prevent these harmful cuts, create jobs, and protect the promise of Medicare. This plan would preserve, not repeal, the vital benefits of the Affordable Care Act, which allows children and young adults to stay on their parents' insurance coverage until age 26, and ensures those with preexisting conditions are able receive the care they need. I am disappointed to see this budget pass the House today and will continue to push for a balanced plan for the American people."

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