[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 1, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H3544]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          DISCOUNT DRUG CARDS

  (Mr. PALLONE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today, the discount prescription drug cards 
Republicans have been touting take effect.
  Over the last month, seniors faced the confusing task of shopping 
online between 73 discount cards for more than 60,000 prescription 
drugs.
  The New York Times reported today that less than 1 million seniors 
have signed up, well off the Bush administration's prediction of 7.3 
million.
  Seniors should be skeptical. While the Bush administration says that 
these cards will cut bills by 10 to 25 percent, a new report out from 
Families U.S.A. shows prices on the top-selling five drugs for seniors 
increased 9.9 percent over the last year, wiping out any savings from 
the discount cards.
  We cannot do anything to help seniors out with their prescription 
drug bills until we actually do something about the skyrocketing drug 
prices. Until then, these cards will not provide any meaningful relief, 
and the program will continue to be a failure.

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