[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H2552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NEW PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

  (Mr. REHBERG asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. REHBERG. There is an old adage, the louder your opponents 
protest, the more you know you are successful with what you are doing.
  That is exactly what is happening with Medicare's new prescription 
drug coverage. Those who voted against the new prescription drug 
benefit are protesting what we have done because they do not think 
seniors are smart enough or capable enough to choose the prescription 
drug plan that is best for them. They want the program to fail for 
preliminary reasons.
  All these protests are designed to draw attention away from the fact 
that for the first time more than 7 million low income seniors and 
younger people with disabilities are now eligible for much needed 
assistance.
  According to the National Council on Aging, a national voluntary 
network of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving health 
and independence of our seniors, low income Medicare beneficiaries 
should absolutely apply for a new Medicare approved drug discount card 
and its $600 annual transition assistance benefit.
  Despite the shrill protests of those who voted against it and want it 
to fail, the power to save on prescription drugs is now in the hands of 
the seniors, and Republicans will help.

                          ____________________