Frank Lautenberg: “we are in the midst of Health Week. Apparently, during Health Week, we don't pass any of the bills the American people…”

“we are in the midst of Health Week. Apparently, during Health Week, we don't pass any of the bills the American people want but, rather, we schedule procedural votes. Why aren't we taking up something such as stem cell research? That is what the American people want to see us do. There is such value in the use of stem cells for research and potential treatment of all types of diseases. Despite all the promises of stem cell research, we are not working on it this week. This week we are simply doing our political stuff: posturing for the next election. There are other important health care issues besides stem cell research that we could be taking up; namely, Medicare. We should be discussing that on the floor of the Senate. We should be passing legislation to extend the Medicare enrollment date past May 15. Right now, under the present Medicare drug plan, if you don't sign up by this coming Monday, you will be penalized permanently for signing up late. Millions of Americans are having serious problems understanding this outrageously complex Medicare plan, but the administration, the President of the United States is saying: Hurry up and make the choice, we are not going to extend the enrollment date. It is insulated from what reality is. It is too bad. In New Jersey, seniors have to choose among 45 plans offered by 19 providers, and we are saying rush, rush, rush. Most people can't get through the language, no less the dates and those requirements.…”