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Politics & Government

Carnahan Blasts Proposed Medicare Changes

The Democratic lawmakers also answered a question about his political future after redistricting.

U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan spent part of his visit to an Oakville retirement community blasting proposed changes to Medicare.

Carnahan, D-St. Louis City, spent Tuesday morning talking to residents at Bethesda Terrace Independent Living Center in Oakville. Among other issues, Carnahan criticized a proposal floated by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, to effectively transform Medicare

“We’ve got to make tough choices,” Carnahan said. “We’ve got to make priorities. Some in Washington have decided to cut and go after programs like Medicare. I think that’s wrong.”

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He said some lawmakers have “refused” to curtail subsidies and incentives to oil companies. He also said there were opportunities to cut spending as troops are drawn down from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Our military leaders believe there is a lot of money to be saved as we bring our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan,” Carnahan said. “And that money saved can be used for very important ways here at home.”

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After the event concluded, Carnahan was asked about whether cutting oil subsidies was be comparable to making substantial alterations to entitlement programs such as Medicare.

“There are changes that can be made in entitlement programs,” Carnahan said. “And most changes where people can agree there are efficiencies and economies and get rid of waste and abuse that certainly is a starting point that I think everyone can agree on. But it really gets down to the fundamental question of vital programs versus optional or unneeded programs.”

“I mentioned the oil companies because I think it’s the one that’s the most grotesque,” Carnahan added. “[It’s a program] that they absolutely don’t need and shouldn’t get. But there are other big areas in the defense department that our military leaders have identified key areas of savings. And in particular, bringing our troops home from these wars overseas that again can be money freed up.”

Democrats have used the proposed Medicare changes in the Ryan plan as a political weapon against Republicans. The issue was widely seen as a reason Democrats won a special election in New York State and it’s been used in rhetorical attacks against Republican aspirants for the U.S. Senate.

One audience member asked how redistricting would affect Carnahan’s future. Carnahan was effectively the odd man out in this year’s redistricting process,

“We hear there may be some kind of court challenge to the maps,” Carnahan said. “And so, we’re going to be watching obviously with great interest to see what happens with that. The process may not be done until the courts are done reviewing what the legislature has done.”

Jeanne Schmieg, who was on hand for the congressman’s event, said the presentation was “very interesting.”

“I think he has the answers that some of us don’t get out of the papers or on other media,” Schmieg said. “It’s just easier to listen to a person talk.”

Schmieg said she hope Carnahan “makes some progress in his beliefs” about Medicare.

“I have a feeling that a lot of people are just not paying attention to this older group that do not live on a lot of income,” Schmieg said.

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