[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REPUBLICAN DRUG BILL: DRUG COMPANY PROFITS BEFORE AMERICA'S HEALTH

  (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, the confusing and 
complicated Republican prescription drug plan will penalize seniors 
forever if they do not pick a plan by May 15. Unless the administration 
or Congress acts, 2 months from today, seniors will face a Bush 
prescription drug tax that will be added to their prescription drug 
premiums. We simply cannot allow this tax to take effect.
  President Bush was in New York this week conceding a lot of problems 
with the drug plan so far. However, the President refuses to extend the 
deadline for seniors to sign up. If he doesn't change his mind, 
Congress must act.
  Seniors are only looking for help for these skyrocketing prescription 
drug prices. They didn't ask for this confusing drug plan, nor is it to 
help them. But they need the help. This is both a critical health and 
financial decision for seniors who rely on prescription drugs to be 
healthier.
  Democrats have a plan that would extend the drug enrollment period 
and eliminate penalties to the end of this year. It is time for us to 
join together and save American seniors a prescription drug tax that 
they cannot afford and simply do not deserve.

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