Political Quotes

“I rise today to announce my opposition to H.R. 4680, the Medicare Rx 2000 Act. This plan will not guarantee affordable prescription medicine coverage for all seniors and it takes the first step towards privatizing Medicare, forcing seniors to deal with private insurance companies instead of having the choice of getting their prescriptions through Medicare. The Republican plan provides huge subsidies to insurance companies and does not provide any direct assistance to our nation's seniors. Even after large subsidies, there is no guarantee that affordable prescription medicine coverage will be offered in every region of the country. In fact, we have heard from several insurance companies that 'the concept of `drug-only' private insurance simply would not work in practice.' I strongly support providing our nation's seniors with a real prescription medicine benefit. However, any such plan must be a defined benefit that is administered under Medicare. It must be voluntary, affordable, and available to all seniors regardless of their income level. The benefit must ensure that copayments and premiums are uniform for all seniors in all areas of the country. Finally, any plan enacted by this Congress must include a cap on the cost to seniors in order to protect them from any unexpected catastrophic events. Mr. Speaker, for too long our nation's seniors have been forced to choose between purchasing prescription medicines and putting food on their tables.”