Lindsey Graham: “I rise today with Senators Bryan, Robb, Conrad, Chafee, Baucus, Rockefeller, and Lincoln to introduce the Medicare…”

“I rise today with Senators Bryan, Robb, Conrad, Chafee, Baucus, Rockefeller, and Lincoln to introduce the Medicare Outpatient Drug Act of 2000. We are all aware of the fundamental changes in Americans' life expectancy throughout the century. When Medicare was created in 1965, the average life expectancy for a woman who reached the age of 65 was 80 and for a man 78 years of age. In 1998, the life expectancy jumped to 84 years for a woman and 81 for a man. Projections for the year 2100 assume that the average life span for an individual who reaches 65 will be 94 years for a woman and 91 for a man. These statistics paint a clear picture--seniors are living longer and to ensure their quality of life, they must have guaranteed access to prescription medications. The Republicans say that they want a prescription drug benefit. The Democrats say that they want a prescription drug benefit. The question facing both parties is this: Do they really want a benefit or just an election year bully pulpit? If the answer is a benefit, we're here today to help.”