[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 83 (Thursday, June 20, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H3725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT

  (Ms. WATSON of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, as of now, Medicare does not 
cover the cost of prescription drugs. Approximately 10 million Medicare 
recipients nationwide lack any prescription drug coverage. I want 
Members to support the Democratic plan for strengthening Medicare. The 
Democratic plan uses the collective bargaining power of Medicare's 40 
million beneficiaries to guarantee lower drug prices. Medicare 
contractors will compete for enrollees by negotiating discounts. Drug 
prices will be reduced for everyone by stopping big drug company patent 
abuses.
  Mr. Speaker, the plan the House adopts must lower the cost of drugs 
for all seniors. It must ensure senior coverage for all drugs their 
doctor prescribes. The plan should be an affordable and guaranteed 
Medicare drug benefit. It must not force seniors into HMOs or predatory 
private insurance. The Democratic proposal addresses each of these 
points.
  Mr. Speaker, the Democratic plan guarantees choice on prescription 
drugs. I urge my colleagues to honor our seniors.

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