Political Quotes

“Republicans are telling us repeatedly that seniors deserve better prescription drug options like those available to Members of Congress. I wholeheartedly agree, but it is difficult to see how a Republican plan that requires seniors to go outside of Medicare and purchase inferior HMO-like private drug insurance would deliver such coverage. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, the Republican plan is 40 percent less valuable than the coverage offered to Members of Congress. During last week's markup, I offered an amendment that would have replaced the standard coverage in the Republican bill with the same coverage under the Federal health benefits program that Members of Congress receive. But the night before our amendment was offered, Republicans adjourned early so they could attend a $30 million fund-raising dinner underwritten by America's drug companies. The CEO of GlaxoWellcome, a British pharmaceutical company, gave $200,000 to the GOP that night and chaired the event. When the markup resumed the next day, it came as no surprise when Republicans voted the amendment down, meaning this week Congress will be forced to vote on legislation that will give seniors less than Members of Congress have.”