Pete Sessions: “I don't think we are rushing into the prescription drug bill, nor are we rushing into the Energy bill. We have been…”

“I don't think we are rushing into the prescription drug bill, nor are we rushing into the Energy bill. We have been wrestling with those bills for an interminable period of time--years. They have been up and down and debated and discussed, and conferees have worked their hearts out on these bills. We are spending, on prescription drugs, an additional $400 billion. I don't believe anyone is going to be hurt by this effort. AARP has reviewed this bill and they support it. They would like it to spend even more, but they are supportive of this bill as a historic effort. There is no doubt, with regard to prescription drugs, that there is the potential to provide the poor in this country, many of whom this very day are choosing between food and drugs that they need for their health, with prescription drugs essentially for free, up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. A huge percentage of the seniors in this country are going to have access to necessary prescription drugs, virtually free, under this bill.”