Max Baucus: “I think one of the greatest achievements of the Medicare bill that has been reported out by the Senate Finance Committee…”

“I think one of the greatest achievements of the Medicare bill that has been reported out by the Senate Finance Committee is the compromise Senator Grassley and I worked out on the issue of private prescription drug plans. Over the course of this 4-year debate over prescription drugs--and I might add, it has been very frustrating for a lot of Senators. We have been trying to find a way to get prescription drug benefits passed for seniors but have been at loggerheads the last 4 years. Both sides wanted their view and neither was willing to compromise. But I think, finally, it is clear we have reached an agreement. I commend the chairman of the committee, Senator Grassley, and all those who helped to work to make this possible. Frankly, a lot of people are to be complimented--everybody from Senator Breaux to Senator Kennedy. And the list is just endless. Senator Snowe, for example, has been a great advocate, tirelessly trying to get a compromise agreement over the years. We finally agreed private entities should administer a Medicare prescription drug program.”