Chuck Grassley: “I am happy we are here today on what I think is the first day of maybe 2 weeks of work in the Senate to pass a bill many…”

“I am happy we are here today on what I think is the first day of maybe 2 weeks of work in the Senate to pass a bill many Members thought would pass last summer but got tied up in some election year political maneuvering in the Senate and did not happen. We have an opportunity this year--because this bill has broad bipartisan support based on the vote of 15-6 out of our committee, such a vote gives an opportunity to bring this issue to fruition--to present a bill to the President of the United States yet this summer. Last Thursday, the Finance Committee did report out a breakthrough bill that would make prescription drug coverage a reality for 40 million Medicare beneficiaries. The committee approval was of a sweeping package of new comprehensive prescription drug benefits and other program improvements that makes very good sense but also keeps good our commitment to our seniors. Since 1965, seniors have had drug insurance without prescription drugs. We have had health insurance without prescription drugs. By passing our bill last Thursday, the Finance Committee made history and came one step closer to changing the fact that prescription drugs were never a part of the Medicare Program unless they were administered in a hospital situation.”