Bart Stupak: “President Bush simply has no compassion for millions of seniors who are trying to determine which of the prescription…”

“President Bush simply has no compassion for millions of seniors who are trying to determine which of the prescription drug plans is best for them. Forty days from now, seniors must choose a plan or face a Bush prescription drug tax for the rest of their lives. Last month, a woman struggling to help her elderly mother pick a prescription drug plan asked the President to extend the enrollment deadline. President Bush refused, telling the woman that helping her mother was her responsibility. The President's answer shows that he is still listening to drug companies and not the American people. Seniors, people with disabilities and their families, need more time before making a crucial health and financial decision. Democrats do not believe seniors should be penalized because they cannot understand this complicated drug plan. That is why Democrats are fighting to extend the enrollment period by 6 months. As we check off another day on the calendar, House Republicans now have 40 more days to stand up and support America's seniors. It is time they joined the Democrats in fighting to ensure the prescription drug tax, pushed by this President, does not take effect on May 15. ____________________”