Kendrick Meek: “this is a sham bill. I represent senior women very seriously. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to both the…”

“this is a sham bill. I represent senior women very seriously. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to both the ``sham'' prescription drug bill that the Republican leadership has brought to the floor today, and to the unconscionable Rule that the Republican Leadership has proposed, a Rule that denies the Democrats an opportunity to offer a Substitute bill providing real prescription drug coverage through Medicare. Mr. Speaker, no one in America should have to choose between buying medicine or food, between paying their utility bills or their drug store account, between taking their medicine or living in pain and discomfort. Yet this is the problem that many of our people face every day and we all know it. ``Miracle drugs,'' no matter how innovative or effective, are worthless to those who cannot afford them. Yet today there are huge numbers of seniors who are unable to follow their doctor's orders because they cannot afford the medications their doctors prescribe. The problem is obvious and so is the solution. Unfortunately, it involves the one thing that our people want and that the Republican Leadership steadfastly refuses to provide: a real prescription drug benefit through Medicare. The Republican Leadership knows that American people want a real prescription drug benefit through Medicare. The Republican Leadership's efforts to pass this bill are attempt to create an illusion for the voters this fall.”