Arlen Specter: “Senator Jeffords would be willing to work with the Senator from Nevada on a bipartisan approach to needlestick…”

“Senator Jeffords would be willing to work with the Senator from Nevada on a bipartisan approach to needlestick prevention. I have not heard the issue broached at the hearings, but I will urge Senator Jeffords to include that in working with the Senator from Nevada. The issue poses a problem on the appropriations bill. This is authorization on an appropriations bill, and it is subject to our rule XVI which precludes that. But more fundamentally, it has not been aired with many of the interested parties. I am sympathetic to what the Senator from Nevada seeks to accomplish. I think there are problems. I found out about it for the first time yesterday, and I say that in no way to be critical. That is what happens here. When we take it up, we have heard rural hospitals would find it difficult in its present posture. I am told by CBO that there is a substantial cost figure involved. I don't cite it with any authority, but they are talking about $50 million. I don't quite see that, but that has been reported to me. I compliment Senator Reid for calling attention to the issue, for focusing on it, for raising it and taking a big step in having consideration by the authorizing committee. I will urge Senator Jeffords to include hearings as well as a cooperative approach to try to work it out.”