Lois Capps: “Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge my sisters in Congress as we rise in opposition to this terrible rule. One of the proudest…”

“Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge my sisters in Congress as we rise in opposition to this terrible rule. One of the proudest days of my life was when I was sworn into this body, the symbol of our democracy. But today I am sad for the House and for this country. The process the majority has used to produce their Medicare bill is completely contrary to the principles of our constitution. A bill was rammed through committee that will not give seniors an affordable, reliable, comprehensive benefit; seniors, most of whom are women. Now the majority is refusing to allow a free and fair debate on the issue. Why? They know their bill will not work. They know seniors will not get affordable drug coverage from insurance companies, and they know so many seniors will get no help with their medications, and they are afraid they would lose. I can accept losing in a fair fight, but I cannot accept this anti-democratic attempt to muzzle fair debate. We should reject this rule, have a full debate on the needs of our seniors, and pass a real prescription drug benefit.”