    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [November 15, 2003]
    [Page 1547]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Announcement of a Bipartisan Agreement on Medicare
    Legislation
    November 15, 2003

        The bipartisan Medicare agreement announced today by leaders in
    Congress represents a significant achievement in our Nation's efforts to
    provide affordable prescription drug coverage for our seniors. Seniors
    have waited a long time for help in paying for prescription drugs, and I
    am pleased that we are now on the verge of providing them with the help
    they need and the health care choices they deserve. This bipartisan
    agreement is the most significant improvement in senior health care
    coverage in nearly 40 years. I applaud the hard work and the leadership
    from both sides of the aisle, and I urge the Congress to pass this
    legislation soon so I can sign it into law.