Fact Check: THE REPUBLICANS VOTED AGAINST SOCIAL SECURITY IN THE 1930'S, AGAINST MEDICARE IN THE 1960'S AND THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE ACT IN 2010. THEY HAVE NEVER CARED ABOUT

Fact-Check: "The Republicans voted against Social Security in the 1930s, against Medicare in the 1960s and the Affordable Health Care Act in 2010. They have never cared about"

What We Know

The claim that Republicans voted against key social welfare programs throughout history has some basis in fact.

1. Social Security (1935): The Social Security Act was passed in 1935, with significant bipartisan support. However, the majority of Republicans in Congress did not support the legislation. Specifically, only 15 of the 102 House Republicans voted against the Social Security Act, while 81 voted in favor. In the Senate, the Republican opposition was less pronounced, with all seven Republicans voting "present" rather than against the bill (Congressional Research Service).

2. Medicare (1965): The Medicare Act was enacted in 1965, and it faced substantial opposition from Republicans. Notably, all 178 Republicans in the House voted against the legislation, while 34 Democrats also opposed it (Wikipedia). This opposition was rooted in concerns about government involvement in healthcare, with prominent figures like Ronald Reagan labeling Medicare as a step towards socialism (The New York Times).

3. Affordable Care Act (2010): The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, was passed in 2010 without any Republican votes in the House, where all 178 Republicans voted against it (Wikipedia). The opposition was largely due to ideological differences regarding government healthcare provisions.

Analysis

The claim that Republicans have historically opposed major social welfare programs is partially true.

• Social Security: While it's accurate that many Republicans did not support the Social Security Act, the claim overlooks the fact that a significant number of Republicans (81) did vote in favor. This indicates a more complex picture of bipartisan support than the claim suggests. The historical context is essential; the 1930s were marked by a significant economic crisis, and many Republicans recognized the need for social safety nets, albeit reluctantly (People's World).

• Medicare: The opposition to Medicare was indeed strong among Republicans, as evidenced by the unanimous vote against it in the House. This aligns with the claim that Republicans opposed Medicare, reflecting a consistent ideological stance against government-run healthcare programs (PNHP).

• Affordable Care Act: The complete Republican opposition to the ACA is well-documented and aligns with the claim. The ACA was a significant shift in U.S. healthcare policy, and the Republican Party's unified opposition was a defining feature of the legislative battle surrounding it (Wikipedia).

In evaluating the sources, the Congressional Research Service and historical analyses from reputable publications provide a reliable foundation for understanding the voting patterns of Republicans regarding these significant pieces of legislation. However, some sources, like those from advocacy groups, may carry a bias that could color the interpretation of historical events.

Conclusion

The claim that "the Republicans voted against Social Security in the 1930s, against Medicare in the 1960s, and the Affordable Health Care Act in 2010" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the opposition to Medicare and the ACA, it simplifies the Republican stance on Social Security by not acknowledging the substantial Republican support for the legislation at the time. Therefore, while the claim captures a significant aspect of Republican voting behavior, it does not fully encompass the complexities of historical bipartisan support.

Sources

1. Historical Background and Development of Social Security
2. Social Security: Major Decisions in the House and Senate
3. History of health care reform in the United States
4. Republicans and Medicare: A History - The New York Times
5. History Lesson: Votes cast for/against 1935 Social Security
6. The Politics of ObamaCare, Social Security, and Medicare
7. Flashback: Republicans Opposed Medicare In 1960s
8. The Republican record on Social Security - People's World