James M. Jeffords: “I first commend all of our colleagues who have devoted so much effort and leadership on the issue we have the privilege…”

“I first commend all of our colleagues who have devoted so much effort and leadership on the issue we have the privilege of debating today. It is largely through their collective efforts that we have the chance to provide our seniors with the most significant expansion of the Medicare program in over 35 years an opportunity to provide them with the most important weapon in our healthcare arsenal prescription medicines. This is an opportunity that we cannot let political differences block from going into law this year. Many of our colleagues have come to the Senate floor during this debate and voiced either opposition or support for the two amendments that we will vote on today. Our colleagues from both sides of the aisle have made pointed criticisms and voiced their strong objections over specific provisions in both of these measures. There are honest differences and disagreements over the details of how we should develop this Medicare prescription drug expansion. However, it is important that we recognize something that few have mentioned, and that is, there is extraordinary agreement that we should create this benefit.”