Bob Menendez: “I rise on behalf of my 84-year-old mother and millions like her across this country. She worked her entire life in the…”

“I rise on behalf of my 84-year-old mother and millions like her across this country. She worked her entire life in the factories of New Jersey. Today she has Alzheimer's and spends over half of her social security check on prescription drugs. If it was not for my sister and me, she would not be able to live with the dignity she deserves. Now, this Republican package is wrapped in a label that says, ``I care,'' but when you open it up, it contains nothing more than an empty promise. Under this Republican plan, which lacks the compassion promised by the President and expected from our doctors, millions of seniors who want to stay in traditional Medicare with their own doctor would essentially be forced into HMOs and left without the choices they deserve. This bill is the road towards privatizing Medicare. Republicans just cannot help themselves. Once again, they have chosen corporate interests over human interests. America's seniors deserve our respect. They have worked too hard, sacrificed too much to be forced to choose between paying their rent, putting food on the table, and having access to life-enhancing drugs. Support the Democratic substitute that has a real prescription drug provision under Medicare.”