DNC Chair Tom Perez and DNC Seniors Council Chair Steve Regenstreif released the following statement celebrating the anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare:

“For over five decades, Medicaid and Medicare have been critical pillars of economic security for millions of American families. That’s why President Obama and Democrats strengthened these programs and expanded coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

“Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have tried to roll back all of the progress we’ve made, pushing policies that would gut Medicaid, send premiums skyrocketing, strip health care from millions, and take away protections for people with pre-existing conditions. And they're using the Trump tax bill, which adds nearly $2 trillion to the deficit, as an excuse to make deep cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other vital programs.

“Democrats believe health care is a right for all, not a privilege for a wealthy few. That's why our party led the fight to establish Medicaid and Medicare more than a half century ago. And we will continue to do everything in our power to protect these programs from Republican attacks, and strengthen them so every American has access to quality, affordable health care.”