Jim Langevin: “I rise in support of the Michaud motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1 to reject the House-passed provision that would…”

“I rise in support of the Michaud motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1 to reject the House-passed provision that would turn Medicare into a voucher program and to accept the Senate-passed provision requiring a government-sponsored fallback prescription drug benefit. Like many of my colleagues, it has long been my top priority to be able to go back to my district and report to my senior citizens who rely on Medicare that Congress has provided a prescription drug benefit for them. Well, time and time again Congress has failed to pass meaningful legislation on this topic, placing the profit margins of drug manufacturers and insurance companies over the health and the lives of America's senior citizens. Twice now I have voted against the Republicans' prescription drug legislation, not because I am unwilling to work within the framework of the budget situation and accept a drug benefit that is less than the dream package we could offer our seniors in a world without budget limitations. Rather, I voted against Medicare reform legislation that purports to help the elderly, but in reality it leaves the prescription drug plan in the hands of private insurers and undermines the entire health care system that 40 million American seniors rely on. The House-passed legislation would force traditional Medicare to bid against private insurance plans beginning in 2010. Well, Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Rhode Island can tell you how dangerous this is.”