David Thomas: “Mr. Speaker, this really is an opportunity for the House of Representatives to address a problem that, frankly, needed…”

“Mr. Speaker, this really is an opportunity for the House of Representatives to address a problem that, frankly, needed to be addressed for some time. The two plans have a lot in common, but I do think people need to understand that the Democrats' plan does not afford seniors choice. The bipartisan plan, not only affords them choice, but requires at least two options in every area of the country. The way in which we have structured our plan, the Congressional Budget Office says we save seniors twice as much as the Democrats' plan out-of-pocket. We provide pocketbook protection now. It is not true of the Democrats' plan because they wrote a plan to fit a budget window. Not until 2006 does their catastrophic or out-of-pocket protection plan really begin. AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, has said the bipartisan plan is in Medicare, notwithstanding whatever may be said on the floor today. The American Association of Retired Persons has said this is an entitlement regardless of whatever may be said on the floor today. Most importantly, it provides seniors comfort and assurance that the bipartisan plan is a prescription drug benefit in statute. No amount of an attempt to confuse seniors should alter that position. This is in Medicare. It is an entitlement, and the benefit is in statute. Do not take my word for it. Take the word of the American Association of Retired Persons. Vote yes on H.R. 4680.”