[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 14719]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                             TOP PRIORITIES

  (Ms. DeLAURO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, the President's proposal to strengthen 
Social Security and Medicare, provide prescription drug coverage for 
seniors, give middle class tax cuts and eliminate the Federal debt are 
well-rounded and thoughtful. Saving Social Security and Medicare and 
extending their solvency needs to be a top priority of this Congress. 
Prescription drug coverage for seniors is a critical part of any modern 
health program. Treatment with medication is cost effective when 
compared to treating late stage ailments with surgery or other in-
patient care. Our seniors who struggle every day for their prescription 
drugs should not have to choose between paying for food and paying for 
medication. A prescription drug benefit will prepare Medicare and our 
seniors' health care for the 21st century.
  Fortunately, we are in a position to accomplish these goals due to a 
strong economy and a once in a generation Federal surplus. Providing 
prescription drug coverage for seniors as well as providing tax relief 
for working families is sound and responsible. This opportunity must 
not be squandered; it must not be wasted. We need to provide for 
seniors for their future.




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