Alcee Hastings: “It is most regrettable that we are in this dispute in the manner that we are because in many respects it comes from a…”

“It is most regrettable that we are in this dispute in the manner that we are because in many respects it comes from a lack of communication between the two respective sides. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to support the gentlewoman from Oregon's (Ms. Hooley) measure. Since 1965 Medicare has been a vital instrument in ensuring quality health care to America's elderly and disabled. Like my friend from Florida, my mother is on Medicare, and like my friend from Florida, my mother is desperately ill. The real truth of the matter is if it were not for Medicare, I would not be able to sustain my mother's present care. However, today a great number of people in this House seek to dismantle Medicare with a fool's gold of a bill titled the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act. Despite my Democratic colleague's best efforts to make this an inclusive and comprehensive process, one that addresses the real concerns of America's seniors and disabled, we are shut out from negotiations.”