DNC on 54th Anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement on the 54th anniversary of Lyndon B. Johnson signing Medicare and Medicaid into law:

“When Lyndon Johnson advocated for the passage of Medicaid and Medicare, he called for the American people to be ‘spared the darkness of sickness without hope.’ For more than five decades, Medicaid and Medicare have given hope and security to millions of Americans. These programs have helped us build a stronger and healthier nation.

“Republicans fought Medicare and Medicaid at every turn. And they continue to stand in the way of every effort to expand access to quality affordable care. Under Trump they passed a massive tax scam for the wealthy and they’ve threatened to help pay for it by slashing Medicare and Medicaid and ripping health care away from hardworking families.

“Democrats believe health care is a right for all, not a privilege for a wealthy few. That’s why President Obama strengthened Medicaid and Medicare, and expanded coverage through the Affordable Care Act. And that’s why the next Democratic president will continue to stand up for the health care every American deserves.”