Political Quotes

“This week we have a tremendous opportunity to make progress on an issue that affects Americans of all ages, but particularly our elderly, and that is the high cost of prescription drugs. I hope by the time the end of next week comes along, we will have passed the tripartisan legislation to provide a prescription drug benefit under Medicare that is long overdue. I also hope we will pass the legislation to which we are about to proceed, and that is the Greater Access to Affordable Pharmaceuticals Act. I commend my colleagues from New York and Arizona, Senator Schumer and Senator McCain, for their leadership and hard work in bringing this issue to the forefront. I was pleased to have had the opportunity to join with my colleague from North Carolina, Senator Edwards, in offering a compromise in the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee last week where it was approved by a strong bipartisan vote. I also acknowledge the hard work of our chairman, Senator Kennedy, and our ranking minority member, Senator Gregg, on this issue. During the last 20 years, we have witnessed dramatic pharmaceutical breakthroughs that have helped to reduce deaths and disability from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and many other diseases. As a consequence, people are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives.”