Political Quotes

“in 2003, for the first time in history, this Congress was able to pass historic legislation providing comprehensive prescription drug coverage under the Medicare program. When we debated this legislation we heard from our Democrat colleagues on how it won't work. It will be too complicated, confusing, frustrating for seniors and they will pay high premiums and deductibles for minimal benefits. Then Part D went into effect. Again we only heard from the other side of the aisle with tales of unsatisfied seniors who had no help to guide them through the process. Now just a little over a year after Medicare Part D was implemented we find ourselves talking about this program again. So let's talk about Part D Mr. Speaker. Let's talk about the 22.5 million seniors who just over a year ago had no prescription drug coverage. Let's talk about recent polls that show 80 percent of those covered say they are in fact satisfied with the program and the benefits they are receiving. And we know they are satisfied because they are spending far less money out of pocket. On average, seniors are paying less than half of what they were just a year earlier when they had no drug coverage at all, many are saving even more. In fact Mr. Speaker, I recently received an email from a constituent of mine in Elgin, Illinois, Mr. Ted Whittington. Ted just wanted to thank the Congress for their leadership in providing the prescription drug plan because of what it meant for his family.”