WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) joined his colleagues on the Congressional Seniors Task Force at a press conference today to denounce the Republican 2012 budget plan as damaging to our country and harmful to our nation’s seniors.  Critz was joined by organizations that represent senior citizens, including the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare and the Alliance for Retired Americans. 

The Republican 2012 budget plan, which may be brought up for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives as soon as next week, would cut about $6 trillion in spending over a decade.  While protecting tax cuts for the wealthy and subsidies for oil companies, the Republican plan would dismantle Medicaid and transform Medicare into a privatized voucher system that will shift more and more costs to seniors and their families. 

“Don’t be fooled, the Republican plan is not reform,” commented Critz.  “Instead, it is a radical proposal to eliminate Medicare and replace it with a voucher system that cuts benefits for our seniors.  This is a bad proposal, and I promise to do everything I can to ensure that it never becomes law.”