James M. Jeffords: “it is not hyperbole to start by saying that we are engaging in a truly historic Medicare debate--one that has the…”

“it is not hyperbole to start by saying that we are engaging in a truly historic Medicare debate--one that has the potential to rival the 1965 creation of the Medicare Program. Over the next 2 weeks, we will have the opportunity to consider and enact the most significant Medicare modernization in 37 years. We have the chance to do more for the health care and well-being of our Nation's elderly than has been accomplished through any recent Medicare legislation. I commend Senator Grassley and Senator Baucus for their work in bringing this measure to the Senate floor. The Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act is a landmark improvement to the Medicare Program and our colleagues deserve a great deal of credit for reaching this bipartisan agreement--I would say tripartisan. This is a large and complex bill--measuring over 600 pages. It is not at all unusual for a proposal of that size to have issues remaining and I know there are some of our colleagues for whom these issues need to be debated and addressed. So we should not be Pollyanna about the outcome. Work remains to be done. But I have been listening to our colleagues as they have come to the floor to discuss this bill and I am encouraged by the largely positive tone of their remarks. I am encouraged because this year I sense a cautious optimism among our colleagues that this Congress--this year-- we will be successful.…”