Political Quotes

“I concur with what has just been suggested by the Senator from Tennessee in terms of returning to the regular process so that we can go back and resume the negotiations and discussions that were well underway over the course of the weekend with Senators from across the aisle--Senators Kennedy, Baucus, and Wyden--even through Monday to reach an agreement that would provide for comprehensive coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. There is no reason we cannot have that discussion to develop the kind of plan that seniors deserve in the Medicare Program. As I said yesterday, we should not have this vote. Why entrench and polarize both sides on this issue? Why make it more intractable? Why not go back and begin the process of negotiations that were well underway using the tripartisan plan as a basis? It provides comprehensive coverage. There is no reason we can't begin that process. This doesn't have to be the last vote. With the Medicare give-back in the fall, we have an opportunity during this interim to begin this process anew so that we can achieve and craft a comprehensive plan that seniors need and deserve. Looking over this proposal, there are many troubling features. I think that we ought to deal with the facts.…”