Political Quotes

“A critical part of the legislative process is to be able to amend legislation so that we can improve it. The rule on Medicare prescription drugs does not allow us to do that. The continued efforts by the leadership of the House to stifle debate on this issue can no longer be tolerated. Although the rule does allow a substitute, which is better than last year, which I appreciate, there are so many other important amendments that should be debated on the floor on this, one of the most important issues this Congress will consider this year, this prescription drug package for our senior citizens. The Committee on Energy and Commerce marked up this legislation for 3 days last week, the Democratic side offered dozens of amendments that would significantly improve the legislation. Several of these amendments were very close or tie votes, including one amendment that I offered to close that gap in coverage that is part of the so-called prescription drug benefit plan. That would close that doughnut hole that our seniors are going to fall into under the majority Republican plan.”