Political Quotes

“I am pleased to once again stand before the Senate and speak on the critical issue of Medicare reform and prescription drugs. Over the past 3 years, I have worked extensively on this issue with my friend Senator Breaux, and we have introduced two pieces of bipartisan legislation comprehensively reforming and strengthening the Medicare program. Therefore, I am thrilled today to reintroduce these bills along with Senator Breaux as we take the next step in this process towards improving Medicare. No one disputes that Medicare needs changes. Every year, Congress considers numerous proposals to update the Medicare program--some more far-reaching than others. We have a strong consensus on the importance of a prescription drug benefit to Medicare beneficiaries. What remains for us, then, is to strengthen the Medicare program in a way that will bring it into the 21st century--by allowing seniors to have a prescription drug benefit, bringing the overall benefits package into line with what most other Americans receive, and giving the program the flexibility to change and grow over the years. We all know Medicare's shortcomings. It is projected to be bankrupt by 2025. It only covers 53 percent of beneficiaries' health care costs, making seniors spend an average of $2,000 per year out-of-pocket on health care. It does not cover prescription drugs, long-term care, eyeglasses or dental care.”