[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 20066]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  NO CONGRESSIONAL RECESS UNTIL ACTION IS TAKEN ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG 
                                 PRICES

  (Mr. BUTTERFIELD asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, the Republican leaders of this Congress 
talk about what they have accomplished during this session. But the 
fact is, that we have met fewer days than any Congress in history. I am 
ashamed to say that they have made us the most do nothing Congress ever 
to serve.
  Instead of actually tackling the issues that concern average American 
families, the Republicans have passed legislation to help their wealthy 
friends and the huge corporations that support their campaigns.
  One example of this is the flawed Medicare prescription drug benefit. 
This program could have provided significant help to those who need it 
the most. Instead, it now helps those who need it the least, the drug 
companies. Democrats believe that the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services should have the authority to negotiate for lower drug prices 
under Medicare, just as the VA does.
  And so I call on the Republican majority, again, to allow HHS to 
negotiate drug prices. It will help our seniors and it will help 
balance the Federal budget.

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