NAN A. S. HAYWORTH: “It is important for citizens of my home State, Arizona, the seniors there who are still awake at what is 20 until 9…”

“It is important for citizens of my home State, Arizona, the seniors there who are still awake at what is 20 until 9, prime time in the State of Arizona, to understand exactly what we are doing in this legislation. Despite the wailing and gnashing of teeth about process, we ought to focus on results. Here are the simple facts, Mr. Speaker: Under our plan, prescription drug coverage under Medicare is available to every senior who wants it. Every senior who wants this plan will be eligible for coverage. We will leave no senior behind. That is especially important when we look at the people who need the most help. The 44 percent of seniors nationwide below 175 percent of poverty, their benefit is paid for. Over $40 billion in savings to Medicaid. Real money for real people with a real prescription drug benefit. And this is the most compelling argument, Mr. Speaker. When we cut through all the smoke and mirrors and all the rhetoric, what seniors want, what I heard at the Mesa Senior Center a couple of weeks ago, was that seniors want prescription drug savings now. When we pass this, when the other body takes its action, our plan begins covering seniors and lowering costs as soon as 50 days after the President signs the bill into law. Mr. Speaker, the time is now to act.”