Jim Inhofe: “because of urgent business back in my State of Oklahoma, I will be unable to be in attendance to vote on S. 1. It makes…”

“because of urgent business back in my State of Oklahoma, I will be unable to be in attendance to vote on S. 1. It makes no difference, however, because I would have voted against it. Last week, I addressed this Chamber regarding S. 1, the Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act. At that time, I said I could not support the legislation in its current form and expressed my hope that it could be improved on the floor. Unfortunately, that has not occurred. I am restating my opposition to this legislation. This is simply another Federal entitlement program designed to balloon past expected costs of $400 billion. For example, in the past, Medicare expenses have soared nearly five times the projected costs. I remember that well because I remember in 1965 when it was passed. This trend will only escalate if we continue to add unfunded obligations without ensuring the long-term solvency of the entire program. We must examine the necessity of such obligations prior to placing the burden on the backs of the future taxpayers.”