Byron Dorgan: “By far, the simplest, most direct, and most appropriate use of the $12 billion would be to improve the prescription drug…”

“By far, the simplest, most direct, and most appropriate use of the $12 billion would be to improve the prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. After all, that is why we are here. That is the purpose of this discussion and debate. That is the purpose of writing this legislation--to provide a prescription drug benefit to the Medicare Program that serves the interests of our senior citizens. Regrettably, the Grassley amendment before us, to which I have just offered a second-degree amendment, does not accomplish those goals. So I offer an amendment that is very simple. It says let's try to improve this prescription drug benefit plan for senior citizens with the $12 billion that is available.”