WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall released the following statement in honor of the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing Medicare and Medicaid into law on July 30, 1965:

"Fifty years ago today, President Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law. These landmark programs now help protect the health, well-being and financial security of more than half of New Mexico's families. They allow children, seniors and people with disabilities to see a doctor when they're sick, get medicines they need, and access preventive care that helps keep them healthy.

"Medicare and Medicaid are among the greatest public health accomplishments in our nation's history. I'll keep fighting to keep these important programs strong so they can help future generations be healthy, too."