Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to R. E., February 26, 1997

ROBERT L. EHRLICH. JR. BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP Congress of tfjc (lltuteti States Дише of ifepreslmtiitte ©Hasfiington, 2ЭС 20515-2002 February 26, 1997 Thank you for contacting me regarding federal entitlement programs. Spending on entitlement programs is the largest component of the federal budget, accounting for approximately half of all expenditures. Moreover, the cost of these programs is growing at an unsustainable rate. According to the Medicare Board of Trustees, the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (also known as Medicare Part A) will be bankrupt by 2001 . Moreover, the Social Security Trust Fund will begin to draw down in 2013 when the so-called “baby boom” generation starts to retire. Reining in entitlement costs is absolutely essential if we are ever to succeed in enacting a bipartisan balanced budget plan. As a member of the House Budget Committee, I will push for a fair and equitable balanced budget plan which includes entitlement reform. During the 104th Congress, the House leadership offered a reasonable Medicare reform plan which fell victim to demagogic attacks by liberals seeking to scare seniors in order to win votes. Now that the elections are over, 1 hope they will set politics aside and join Republicans at the negotiating table. The future of Medicare, and of our children’s economic future, may depend on it. Once again, thanks for writing regarding this issue. Please contact me again if I may be of assistance in the future. Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress c