Gwen Graham: “this is a sad evening for me. I rise to oppose the prescription drug bill that we will be voting on shortly. No issue…”

“this is a sad evening for me. I rise to oppose the prescription drug bill that we will be voting on shortly. No issue that we have debated over recent years has held so much promise, the promise that we could fundamentally reform Medicare from a program which today requires you to be sick enough to go to the doctor or the hospital in order to get services to one that would have its focus on wellness, including the opportunity to participate in a voluntary, comprehensive, universal, and affordable plan of prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are, in today's health care system, a fundamental part of maintaining good health. I have spent the better part of the last 5 years, as have so many of my colleagues--and in the case of Senator Byrd, many more than 5 years--attempting to deliver a meaningful drug benefit for our Nation's seniors. I have learned some things during this period. Unfortunately, what I have learned convinces me that the bill before us tonight is not worthy of America's seniors. Because what we are about to deliver is a hollow promise and little else.”