Frank Pallone: “Last week America went to the polls and sent Washington a message that they wanted a new direction. Unfortunately, when…”

“Last week America went to the polls and sent Washington a message that they wanted a new direction. Unfortunately, when it comes to the Bush administration, it seems as though the voters' call for change has fallen upon deaf ears. Yesterday, the New York Times reported that the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mike Leavitt, were 'strenuously opposed to legislation that would authorize the government to negotiate with drug companies to secure lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries.' This is not groundbreaking news. They have said all along that they oppose negotiated prices in the Medicare program. Still, given the outcome of last week's election, it is disappointing that this administration would not even take a moment to reconsider its misguided policies. Mr. Levitt went on to say, 'I don't believe I can do a better job than an efficient market.' I agree that the secretary hasn't done such a good job so far, but he shouldn't get too down on himself, he is not entirely to blame. His Republican friends here in Congress have kept him from realizing his potential by legally prohibiting him from negotiating with drug makers. However, if a Democratic Congress passed a law granting him authority to negotiate prices with drug manufacturers, I am certain we could achieve enormous savings in the Medicare program which could be passed on to America's elderly and disabled in the form of more generous coverage.”