Richard Gephardt: “I ask Members to vote ``yes'' on this motion to recommit and to vote ``no'' on the Republican plan. I guess I would like…”

“I ask Members to vote ``yes'' on this motion to recommit and to vote ``no'' on the Republican plan. I guess I would like to start tonight's debate with a question: Why did you not allow us to have an alternative to this drug plan? A Democratic House gave Republicans an alternative in 1965 when we debated Medicare. We represent 49 percent of the American people. This is one of the most important issues that we will vote on in this Congress, yet we are not afforded the opportunity to have a clean vote on a clear alternative. Are you afraid? Do you think that too many of Republican Members would vote for our plan? This process tonight is not worthy of this House of Representatives. This is the people's House. Here the people must be heard. I am deeply disappointed that we were not afforded the opportunity for a clear alternative on this very, very important issue. This is an important issue to all the senior citizens of our country. The Greatest Generation that fought our wars, paid their taxes, raised their children, and made this country great, that Greatest Generation now is too often getting on buses and going to Canada or going to Mexico to get their prescription drugs at prices they can afford. They are making choices between food and taking their drugs. There are senior citizens tonight that are cutting their pills in half because they cannot afford to pay for a whole month's worth.”