[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 26264]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                MEDICARE

  (Mr. CARTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, this week, seniors across the country can 
take the first steps towards much-needed prescription drug benefits 
when they enroll in the Medicare prescription drug plan. The plan gives 
seniors the power of choice. Seniors will select from multiple plans 
and choose the option best suited to their needs. With the cost of 
prescription drugs increasing every year, the ability to choose a plan 
tailored to that senior's specific health needs is invaluable.
  Not only that, but choice encourages competition. Private companies 
will be making their prices available for seniors to compare. This, in 
turn, will lower prices in an effort to secure those seniors' business. 
By giving the seniors choice, we give them lower prices.
  Mr. Speaker, the Medicare prescription drug coverage card is long 
overdue. I am proud of Republicans for providing a viable solution to 
America's seniors, and I encourage seniors all across the country to 
take advantage of these added benefits.

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