Glenn English: “Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago, Congress passed a Medicare bill that for the first time created an opportunity for many…”

“Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago, Congress passed a Medicare bill that for the first time created an opportunity for many seniors to have access to strong, valuable and persistent prescription drug coverage. Although the legislation was a compromise, and in places an imperfect one, this program has proven to be a success, working for seniors with a range of circumstances and particularly valuable resource for seniors of the most limited means, many of whom are in my district. It falls on us in this Congress to consider ways that we can further strengthen this benefit. Unfortunately, the legislation that we have debated today, H.R. 4, is a huge and real step back and is less of a policy than a bumper sticker. As a member of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over this program, I am deeply disappointed that we had no hearings, no discussion and no opportunity for amendments to produce a real pricing reform bill with teeth and with nuance. While part D is not perfect and can be improved, it is our fundamental responsibility to put in place a policy that might build on the successes of the program, and they are substantial.”