Nancy Pelosi: “I first I want to invite my colleagues to join me in expressing our appreciation to our Democratic conferees who have…”

“I first I want to invite my colleagues to join me in expressing our appreciation to our Democratic conferees who have been true champions of a defined affordable prescription drug benefit under Medicare, the dean of the House and ranking Democrat on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the distinguished ranking Democrat on the Committee on Ways and Means, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), and a true champion for health care in this Congress and the country, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Berry), all for their leadership on this important issue. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, the Republicans would not let these appointed conferees into the conference room. And this bill does not reflect the benefit of the thinking and experience of our very diverse caucus. That is a great loss to this debate and a great loss to our country. Mr. Speaker, the Democratic Party has made ensuring the dignity and security of our seniors a cornerstone of our mission for generations. Nearly 40 years, ago a Democratic Congress and the Democratic President, Lyndon Johnson, honored that mission by making Medicare the law of the land. Ever since then, America's seniors have known where Americans stand. We created Medicare, we want to protect it and strengthen it. Americas seniors have also known where Republicans stand. For 40 years, they have waged war on Medicare. When Congress passed Medicare in 1965, only 13 Republicans in Congress supported it.”