Orrin Hatch: “Today we are discussing the Medicare prescription drug bill, which is basically the two bills we will be voting on…”

“Today we are discussing the Medicare prescription drug bill, which is basically the two bills we will be voting on tomorrow. I rise this afternoon to take the opportunity to share my thoughts on Medicare drug coverage. Today and tomorrow, we will be debating two Medicare prescription drug bills--the Medicare Outpatient Prescription Drug Act of 2002, introduced by Senators Graham, Miller, Kennedy and Corzine, and the 21st Century Medicare Act introduced by the Senate tripartisan group which includes Senators Grassley, Jeffords, Breaux, Snowe, and myself. There is no question that all of us have the same goal in mind--to provide beneficiaries with Medicare prescription drug coverage, this year. But, unfortunately, we do not agree on how this coverage should be provided. Senators Graham and Miller believe it should be provided through the Federal Government. On the other hand, the Senate tripartisan members believe drug coverage should be provided through the private market. During the next day and a half, you will hear about the merits of both bills. You will also hear criticisms of both bills. While these matters certainly need to be debated by the Senate, both of these bills, which will impact the lives of millions of Americans, should have been considered by the Senate Finance Committee before being debated on the Senate floor.”