Political Quotes

“I thank our Senate majority leader. If we did not have his leadership, we would not have the opportunity to be talking about specific proposals for a comprehensive Medicare prescription drug benefit or opening the doors to Canada or in other ways lowering prices for families, seniors, businesses, workers. The entire economy is affected by this issue, and we would not be in a position to do that without the leadership of Senator Daschle. I thank him for that and also say that this week, as we are celebrating the leadership of another colleague, it would not be possible without Senator Jim Jeffords. I commend him. As our majority leader talked about going to Canada, Senator Jeffords has been at the forefront of breaking down those barriers so we could open the border. I find it ironic we are debating an open trade bill, fast track, so we can have more trade and yet the only thing we cannot trade with Canada is prescription drugs made in the United States and subsidized by American taxpayers. Yet if they go to Canada and the prices are dropped in half, we cannot benefit from that. Senator Jim Jeffords has been a leader. I am very proud to be joining with him on a bill with Senator Dorgan and many others. I once again commend Senator Jeffords for his courage in so many ways in stepping forward on matters that directly affect people every day. It is no less true on this question of prescription drugs.”