[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 21096]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                           PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Stabenow) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, on April 12, I led an hour of debate of 
prescription drug coverage for senior citizens. I read three letters 
from around the state from seniors who shared their personal stories. 
On the 12th, I made a commitment to continue to read a different letter 
every week until the House enacts reform. That was six months ago. 
Although the House passed a prescription drug bill this summer, I 
believe it will not help most seniors. So, I will continue to read 
letters until Congress enacts a real Medicare prescription drug 
benefit. This week, I will read a letter from Harriet Simmons of 
Detroit, Michigan.
  Text of the letter:

       Dear Congresswoman Stabenow: I am writing to express my 
     concern over the escalating cost of prescription drugs for 
     seniors. As a senior myself, I must take the medicines 
     prescribed by my doctor to maintain my health. The cost of 
     these drugs can rise from month to month. Sometimes, I have 
     had to purchase half of my medicine or take less so it will 
     last longer.
       The Michigan Emergency Pharmaceutical Program for Seniors 
     provides temporary help for 3 months out of the year if you 
     qualify. But, what are we to do the remaining 9 months? Many 
     seniors are too young or just above the income guidelines to 
     qualify. We need help in obtaining our prescriptions for the 
     above cited reasons. I support your efforts to lower the cost 
     of drugs for seniors.
       I would like to add: We are senior citizens today but 
     yesterday we were active, tax paying citizens. Don't mistreat 
     us now. We need protection.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Harriett Simmons.

  Harriet deserves a genuine Medicare prescription drug benefit. Time 
is running out to do something in this Congress. We must enact real 
prescription drug reform before we adjourn.

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