Who Said It?

“AARP members know they are being sold out by an organization that is happily using member dues and Medigap premiums to promote a Medicare bill that does more harm than good.”  

A. Wally Herger (R-CA)   B. Dave Reichert (R-WA)  C. Charles Boustany (R-LA) D. Pete Stark (D-CA)

Answer: D. Pete Stark (D-CA)

And there’s more…

“Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the Democratic leader in the House, complained that AARP was ‘in the pocket’ of Republicans, and suggested that the group, which also sells insurance to its members, had a financial conflict of interest.”
The New York Times, November 23, 2003

“AARP’s most recent actions confirm what we predicted when they first threw their weight behind the Medicare drug bill in 2003. They did so to improve their bottom line, not to help the 35 million seniors they claim to represent.” 
Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Stark (D-CA)

“The AARP has forgotten where they come from, because once you get into the business of making money with the devil you forget your mission.”
Ways and Means Member Charles B. Rangel (R-NY)

“Seniors may be curious as to why, then, if this is such a poor bill, does the national AARP support it? Good question. ‘Why does the national AARP leadership support a bill that meets almost none of their clearly stated needs and conditions?’ Good question.”
Ways and Means Member John Larson (D-CT)

“AARP’s misguided decision to embrace this legislation and sacrifice the future of Medicare must not go unchallenged.”
Eighty-five Democratic members of Congress, led by Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)

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