Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
For Boehner's Birthday, Democratic Leaders Point Out Speaker's Medicare Eligibility
Democrats and Republicans have spent several years clashing over Social Security and Medicare, two giant federal programs, and that clash is even present in birthday greetings. On Monday, House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) celebrated his 65th birthday. While one doesn’t often mention age when it comes to birthday greetings, the Twitter accounts for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and Democratic Party Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fla.) were quick to point to it, and wrap in a pitch for the programs. (Paletta and Andrews, 11/17)
Nancy Pelosi wished John Boehner a happy 65th birthday on Monday via Twitter. But the minority leader couldn’t resist gigging the House speaker by mentioning issues dear to Democrats: Social Security, the so-called third rail of American politics, and Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors. ... Perhaps that’s a hint to Republicans not to touch the federal programs near and dear to senior citizens? When Pelosi turned 74 in March, Boehner sent her Graeter’s chocolate ice cream and gelato. (Camia, 11/17)
