Bruce Bartlett e-mails:
In my column this week I call attention to yet another give-away to the elderly in the form of legislation primarily designed to keep wealthy Medicare recipients—individuals making more than $85,000 and couples making more than $170,000—from having to pay an extra $10 to $15 per month for their Part B premiums as required under current law. I note that the only congressman who spoke against this give-away on the floor was House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Tea party movement heroes Ron Paul and Michele Bachmann were among those voting for it.