Political Quotes

“just a few weeks ago, I convened Medicare town hall meetings with senior citizens in my district that I represent in the towns of South Holland and Joliet, Illinois, to listen to the seniors, the folks back home, about what they feel is needed in a Medicare prescription drug benefit, the proposal we now have before us in Congress. What I heard, Mr. Speaker, were some horror stories about the cost of drugs today for our seniors. In fact, I met with one gentleman from South Holland who spends $8,000 a year just for four injections. I heard from a retired steelworker in Joliet who wanted choices in drug plans, including the option to keep his current plan provided by his former employer if it is better. A widow from Calumet City told me about the times that she will go without breakfast or lunch just to save $15 or $20 so she can afford her arthritis medication. These are heart wrenching stories, Mr. Speaker. But one thing I heard over and over again is that this Congress should work together to solve the challenge for modernizing Medicare to include a prescription drug benefit.”