[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 14, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H4345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

  (Mr. WELDON of Florida asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in this Chamber we will soon be 
discussing the very important issue of prescription drug coverage for 
America's senior citizens. I am pleased that the House leadership has 
developed a bipartisan plan that will provide American seniors with 
comprehensive prescription drug coverage.
  No senior should have to choose between food for their table or their 
prescription drugs. As a physician, myself, I know the importance of 
these drugs to the health of our seniors. Many of these drugs cost a 
lot of money. It takes years to develop them, sometimes even decades; 
and then after they are approved by the FDA, it can take months to 
promote them amongst physicians for their proper use.
  Unfortunately, today while many excellent prescription drugs for 
arthritis, stroke prevention and high blood pressure are critical to 
the health of seniors, many of them cannot afford them. Our bipartisan 
plan will ensure that voluntary, affordable and comprehensive 
prescription drug coverage is available to all seniors. I encourage all 
of my colleagues to support this legislation.

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