[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SIGN THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCHARGE PETITION

  (Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today Members of this Chamber 
will have the opportunity to sign the prescription drug discharge 
petition that will bring this issue to the floor of this body. Members 
will have to decide, will they help the people of their districts or 
continue the price discrimination of the big drug companies?
  Many New Mexicans have told me how the high cost of prescription 
drugs affects their lives. One of my constituents, Suzette Binder of 
Santa Fe, wrote to me:

       We are crippled financially because of diabetic pill costs 
     for which there is no generic brand. We live in retirement on 
     the same money we had 10 years ago. But the money goes like 
     the wind and drug costs are one of the major causes. Do what 
     you can.

  Mr. Speaker, during the January recess, I heard from many people that 
expressed similar sentiments to me. I firmly believe widespread price 
discrimination is wrong.
  I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to sign the petition. 
No one in America should ever have to decide between needed medication 
and food.

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