[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H11858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORT FOR THE CONFERENCE REPORT ON THE MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND 
                           MODERNIZATION ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in support of the conference 
report for the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act. 
Tomorrow, this body is poised to pass historic legislation that will 
provide millions of seniors access to a responsible and affordable 
prescription drug benefit. Almost 40 years ago, a promise was made to 
seniors, a promise that they could depend on Medicare for affordable, 
reliable, and quality health care.
  With passage of this conference report, we will achieve numerous 
goals that will strengthen the current Medicare program and will 
protect the most vulnerable seniors. Low-income seniors and those with 
extremely high prescription drug costs are given specific 
consideration.
  While at the same time bringing much-needed fiscal relief in the 
overall cost of prescription drugs to all seniors, by adding a 
voluntary prescription drug benefit and modernizing the program to give 
seniors more choice in their overall health plans, Congress has an 
opportunity to improve the quality of health care being provided in the 
Medicare program for millions of seniors.
  As a Member that represents a rural district, I am also very pleased 
with many of the rural provider provisions contained in this report. 
Under this legislation, unequal payments for equal work will no longer 
be status quo for rural America's health care providers.
  Hospitals are important to rural communities for three reasons. First 
and foremost, they provide health care services for the residents. 
Second, hospitals are an economic engine in rural communities, and in 
my district they are the first or second largest employer, providing 
good-paying jobs. Third, hospitals are an economic development tool. 
Without adequate access to health care, it is difficult for a community 
to retain and attract businesses. A strong health care system is vital 
to the strength and stability of any community.
  I am also pleased that this conference report also contains a 
provision to establish health savings accounts. This will help not only 
seniors but all Americans to better afford their health care. Health 
savings accounts will allow individuals to save, grow and spend their 
hard-earned dollars tax free for necessary out-of-pocket medical 
expenses. These accounts will go a long way in helping to make health 
care more affordable for families and individuals of all ages.
  Mr. Speaker, when I first ran for office 3 years ago, I committed 
myself to working toward adding a prescription drug benefit in 
Medicare. I am pleased to support this conference report which I 
believe will move Medicare into the 21st century, and I urge all my 
colleagues to do the same.

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