[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 7 (Friday, January 12, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         VOTE ``NO'' ON H.R. 4

  (Mrs. DRAKE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4, the 
Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act.
  The Medicare prescription drug insurance program continues to exceed 
expectations. The current private sector approach has resulted in more 
choices available to Medicare beneficiaries while simultaneously 
keeping costs below previous projections.
  The majority of seniors are satisfied with the program and are saving 
on average $1,200 a year. Seniors are able to choose a prescription 
drug plan that meets their needs.
  The Congressional Budget Office has stated that requiring the Federal 
Government to negotiate drug prices with the manufacturer will not 
result in any savings to the Federal Treasury or the taxpayer. When 
asked, seniors support lower drug prices; but when told that means less 
choice of available drug or pharmacy, they disagree.
  Seniors across America want their doctors, not the Federal 
Government, to choose the most effective drugs.

                          ____________________