Karen Bass: “as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to develop a strong…”

“as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to develop a strong Medicare modernization package that will significantly improve this critical government program. The seniors of New Hampshire have long clamored for a prescription drug benefit under Medicare, as is the case in the rest of the nation. I am pleased to represent those same seniors today as we pass this bill and take one giant step closer toward our goal of creating a new and voluntary prescription drug benefit that makes lifesaving medications more accessible. This benefit is the product of years of research, study, testimony, and compromise. I have no doubt whatsoever that each of us might wish for a slightly different version of this bill. We represent different regions with different demographics. And, I am sure we all wish lifesaving drugs were more affordable for our families, friends, and constituents. The goal is formulating a fiscally responsible plan that will remain solvent in years to come, is easily accessible, and increasingly beneficial to seniors of all regions and means, was a daunting one. Yet, the bill makes a number of Medicare improvements for care providers in New Hampshire. This proposal represents one of the most generous rural packages ever contemplated by the House.”