Frank Lautenberg: “I fully support this Robb second-degree amendment. We want to be sure that Congress acts this year to provide a real…”

“I fully support this Robb second-degree amendment. We want to be sure that Congress acts this year to provide a real prescription drug benefit for seniors. Senator Robb offered an amendment that very specifically does that. The only problem we have that I am concerned about is there are no reconciliation instructions. That doesn't ensure that Congress will act to put this very important benefit in place. Having graduated to that status of senior citizen, I can tell you this: When I talk to people in that group, the most important and worrisome thing they have in front of them is whether or not they are going to be able to afford the drugs, not only to keep them healthy but also to provide a decent lifestyle. I commend the Senator from Virginia for having developed this amendment because he knows this is the most critical issue right now affecting the senior citizens beyond having to preserve Social Security and Medicare.”