Statement

U.S. Senator John McCain today released the following statement on the 2009 Senate debate over cuts to the Medicare program to pay for Obamacare:

"In the current political debate over Medicare, it is important to remember that in late 2009, President Obama's efforts to cut Medicare to pay for Obamacare were the subject of intense debate in the U.S. Senate. The President and his political team might not like to remember this history, but facts are stubborn things. The fact is that in November 2009, I offered the first Republican-sponsored amendment to Obamacare, aimed at stopping the nearly $500 billion in cuts to Medicare that were in the bill. At the time, it was abundantly clear that a vote against my amendment was a vote to affirm $500 billion in cuts to the Medicare program to fund Obamacare. On December 8, 2009, the amendment failed 42-57, with all Republicans and two Democrats supporting it and 57 Democrats opposed.

"It is important in this charged political season that the American people be reminded of the facts, particularly regarding the Medicare program which is of such vital importance to America's seniors. The history of the President's and the Democrats' support for Medicare cuts during the debate over Obamacare should go a long way toward clearing up any confusion on this issue."