Representative Heather Wilson: “Mr. Speaker, I am not old enough to join AARP, but since they have become such a big part of this debate, I want to read…”

“Mr. Speaker, I am not old enough to join AARP, but since they have become such a big part of this debate, I want to read what they have said. It is not an unqualified endorsement. I have never seen the perfect bill yet in this job, but it is a pretty good bill. I think the AARP came to that conclusion. I would like to enter their statement into the Record, but maybe reading some parts will explain where they are coming from. It is dated November 17, 2003, AARP endorses Medicare prescription drug bill, and this is directly from them. ``AARP today announced its strong endorsement of the prescription drug bill offered by the conference committee and will work vigorously for its passage. ``AARP believes that millions of older Americans and their families will be helped by this legislation. Though far from perfect, the bill represents an historic breakthrough, an important milestone in the Nation's commitment to strengthen and expand health security for its citizens at a time when it is sorely needed. ``The bill will provide prescription drug coverage at little cost to those who need it most: People with low incomes, including those who depend on Social Security for all or most of their income. It will provide substantial relief for those with very high drug costs, and will provide modest relief for millions more.…”