[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 102 (Friday, July 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REGARDING THE ACTUARIAL VALUE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS OFFERED TO 
 MEDICARE ELIGIBLE ENROLLEES BY A PLAN UNDER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH 
                            BENEFITS PROGRAM

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                               speech of

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2003

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, this is an important bill 
designed for an important purpose--ensuring that the FEHBP continues to 
provide retired employees, who are eligible for Medicare, with the same 
prescription drug benefit that current, non-retired employees receive. 
There are thousands of Federal Employees in my district who have 
earned, and deserve, the prescription drug coverage they get under the 
FEHBP. In addition, this is an important example to set for the private 
sector to ensure that they do not begin reducing and eliminating their 
prescription drug coverage for Medicare eligible employees once 
Congress passes a Medicare prescription drug benefit. As such, I will 
vote in support for this bill.
  However, the fact that the majority is bringing this bill up today 
highlights both the inadequacy of the prescription drug bill they 
passed last month, as well as undercuts their claim that they believe 
our nation's seniors deserve the same prescription drug coverage that 
Members of Congress and other employees covered under FEHBP receive.
  Mr. Speaker, I am glad this legislation was brought to the floor 
today. I am glad that we can support good prescription drug coverage 
for federal retirees and I am glad that we can set an example for the 
private sector. I am also glad that the majority is willing to show 
just how truly disingenuous their rhetoric is about seniors deserving 
options similar to those of Members of Congress. If H.R. 1 truly 
provided a real prescription drug benefit, this legislation would not 
be necessary, and in that, Mr. Speaker, I take no pleasure.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the majority for proving to the 
Nation how insufficient the prescription drug bill is that they passed 
two weeks ago.

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