[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ON THE DRUG PLAN DEBACLE AND THE COST OF CORRUPTION

  (Ms. SOLIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, leave it to Washington Republicans to create 
a chaotic and confusing system that has left a large majority of 
seniors just saying no. The Republican prescription drug plan shows the 
everyday cost congressional corruption has on the American people.
  Republicans promised American seniors they would have access to 
prescription drugs through private plans beginning January 1, but to 
date it has been an utter failure. In many instances, beneficiaries who 
tried to have their prescriptions filled under the new system were 
either told that their enrollment could not be verified or that their 
drugs were not covered. As a result, many beneficiaries, particularly 
those that are called dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, 
were at risk for receiving no coverage at all.
  Rather than choosing to work to alleviate drug costs for seniors, 
Republicans were more interested in coming up with a bill that 
benefited their friends in the pharmaceutical and insurance industries, 
friends who have been very loyal to them over the years.
  America must do better, we can do better and put special interests 
aside so that we can help those people who truly need our assistance. 
Let's start thinking about our senior citizens.

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