Chris Dodd: “Mr. President, yesterday we began what can truly be expected to be an historic effort to transform the Medicare Program…”

“Mr. President, yesterday we began what can truly be expected to be an historic effort to transform the Medicare Program in this country, an effort, if it is successful in these coming days, that would provide for the most sweeping changes to that program since its inception in 1965. We began debate this week on the need for coverage of prescription medicines under the Federal Medicare Program. While it is a debate that is sure to be spirited in the coming days, it is my hope the debate will, in the end, result in a significant move forward that will strengthen the Medicare Program for its 41 million beneficiaries and for the millions of future beneficiaries who will depend on this critically important program for their health and their well-being. Over the past month, I have had the opportunity to convene a series of forums on senior health care in my home State of Connecticut in an attempt to frame the scope of this debate. At these forums, I heard from many constituents on many matters regarding their health care, but the present lack of coverage for prescription drugs under the Medicare Program was far and away--without even a close second--the most important question that was raised to me by literally dozens and dozens of seniors in my State.”