NAN A. S. HAYWORTH: “Mr. Speaker, good people can disagree, but it is important to take a look at what we are doing with this legislation.…”

“Mr. Speaker, good people can disagree, but it is important to take a look at what we are doing with this legislation. The first thing we are doing is actually strengthening Medicare and preparing it for the 21st century, for the influx of more seniors, demographically what we will see in the 21st century, in just a few short years. And what we are also doing is updating Medicare for the 21st century to reflect changes in medicine. Prescription drugs are the first line of defense for America's seniors. This legislation recognizes that reality and moves to cover it. But moreover, Mr. Speaker, we first reach out to those seniors most in need, and we provide for all seniors next year immediate discounts, with our discount drug cards. Very, very important.”