[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 22]
[House]
[Page 29980]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   IN SUPPORT OF MEDICARE REFORM BILL

  (Mr. FOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I learned in the real estate business, you 
never leave the negotiations for fear they may fail and you do not get 
your commission. Today, I understand the Democrats are planning a 
walkout from this floor to protest Medicare legislation. Yesterday, 
uniquely, the Democrats were burning their AARP cards down the street. 
The only thing missing from that scene was Jane Fonda.
  Mr. Speaker, the seniors of our country deserve a Medicare program 
that is updated for the 21st century, including prescription drugs. It 
is an opportunity to help our seniors with new technology, diagnostic 
tests for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes. But no. If 
the Democrats do not get their way, they take the highway. That is 
discouraging for American seniors. And for them to ridicule and 
criticize AARP that just last week was the gold standard for senior 
lobbying organizations is somewhat a tremendous stain on the Democratic 
Party. Where are the leaders like Claude Pepper and Franklin Roosevelt?
  I urge them to come to the floor today and work on Medicare 
legislation. Let us pass a bill for all seniors.

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