[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1045
          MAKE PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE

  (Ms. DeLAURO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, our seniors face skyrocketing prices for 
prescription drugs. Many of my constituents have written to me about 
having to choose between buying food and paying for the life-saving 
medicines that they need. For millions of seniors, a prescription drug 
benefit is the difference between getting the medicine they need for 
healthy, independent lives, and pain and suffering. For those who are 
skipping meals or missing rent payments, a prescription drug benefit is 
a necessity that would bring dignity to their lives.
  I urge my colleagues today to sign the petitions at the desk to allow 
a debate on proposals that would end price discrimination and provide a 
prescription drug benefit for all seniors. We have an historic 
opportunity to make medicine affordable and accessible. We could do 
this in a heartbeat if the Republican leadership would allow debate on 
this floor.
  Modern science has blessed us with many wonderful new medicines, but 
if seniors cannot afford them, these medicines are of little use. I 
implore my colleagues, sign the petitions at the desk. Begin 
substantive discussion on how to make prescription drugs affordable to 
the people who need them.

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