Political Quotes

“I want to take a few moments, as we are working in earnest this week to complete the session and focus on where we are as it relates to the critical issue of prescription drug coverage and making sure that our seniors have help in Medicare and also that we are lowering prices for everyone. This has been quite a challenge for us. We knew when we started, we were facing daunting odds; that the system, as it is situated right now, heavily favors the industry and that as a result of the fact that it heavily favors them, and the rules favor them and allow them to stop competition and to be able to set prices on Americans much higher than in other countries, we knew this was going to be an uphill battle. We often talk about the fact that there are six drug company lobbyists for every one Member of the Senate and what that means in terms of challenges. But we have an opportunity today, and many of us have been working across the aisle in good faith. In fact, I would say everyone has been working in good faith. There are different philosophies--two very different approaches--that are being developed. But everyone is working in good faith to try to get something done. I think today is the day when we really decide are we going to at least take the first step. If we can't get all the way there, to give comprehensive Medicare coverage for all seniors and disabled, we have to at least begin the process to do that.”