[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 7672]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   FIVE DAYS FOR REPUBLICANS TO REJECT BUSH PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAX ON 
                                SENIORS

  (Ms. WATSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, we must stand up for America's seniors. As 
this calendar shows, House Republicans have less than 1 week, only 5 
days left to join Democrats in extending the period seniors have to 
sign up for private prescription drug plans. If this Congress refuses 
to act, millions of American seniors who have yet to choose a plan will 
be penalized with the Bush prescription drug tax that will stay with 
them for the rest of their lives. The Bush administration is trying to 
force American seniors to make a decision that will impact both their 
checkbooks and their health in the next 5 days.
  Five million seniors have still not chosen a drug plan. But the Bush 
administration wants to scare all of these seniors into choosing a plan 
before May 15, regardless of whether or not they are comfortable or 
ready to sign up for a plan.
  Mr. Speaker, it is time House Republicans declare independence from 
the White House. As we mark off another day, House Republicans must 
join us in taking action this week.

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