[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 100 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H5921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE RIGHT PRESCRIPTION

  (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I am a doctor and I have seen some 
prescriptions in my time that were the wrong medicine for the right 
illness. I am here to tell you that is exactly what the Republicans did 
with their prescription drug bill. The big drug companies got the 
overwhelming benefit, and the seniors get the underwhelming Republican 
rhetoric.
  Well, there is a doctor in the House and Democrats are doing 
something about a Republican drug bill that needs steroids to help 
seniors and the disabled. Democrats are circulating what is called a 
``discharge petition.''
  I urge every citizen, Mr. Speaker, to write, call, cajole, pester, or 
otherwise demand that your elected representatives go on it.
  This petition would require, require, the Federal Government to use 
its substantial clout and purchasing power to negotiate real discounts 
for seniors and disabled on prescription drugs. This is the right 
medicine for the right illness.
  I am a doctor, and I do not play one on TV. Sign the petition. Give 
the seniors something they deserve: real benefits.

                          ____________________