Joe Crowley: “I could not think it more apt that we Democrats begin our special order on prescription drugs just after hearing the…”

“I could not think it more apt that we Democrats begin our special order on prescription drugs just after hearing the Republicans finish their remarks on the very same subject of prescription drugs. I was most interested to listen to the remarks of the Republican House majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), who ridiculed Democrats like Al Gore and Joe Lieberman for being out in so many words to deprive seniors of prescription drug coverage. This is laughable, and I hope everyone at home will stay tuned and listen. I can think of no better message than letting Americans compare the thoughts of the Republicans on prescription drug coverage for seniors, those of allowing the private sector and the HMOs to continue to drop seniors and let prices for drugs skyrocket, versus the opinions of the Democrats like myself who are working to strengthen Medicare with a drug benefit and work to immediately lower the cost of prescription drugs. The GOP believes lowering the cost of drugs is wrong and the destruction of Medicare is good. I believe lowering drug prices is the right thing to do for Americans.”