[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 14 (Monday, April 10, 2000)]
[Page 726]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Democratic Amendment to the Budget Resolution

April 4, 2000

    Today the Senate begins its work on its budget and, in so doing, 
will lay out its investment and reform priorities for the FY 2001 
budget. The Senate Democrats, under the leadership of Senator Robb and 
Senator Daschle, will be offering an amendment to this budget resolution 
designed to put America's priorities in order. This amendment insists 
that we do first things first and modernize Medicare with an affordable, 
accessible, and voluntary Medicare prescription drug benefit for all 
seniors. Once we've done that, we can move forward with a sensible tax 
cut.
    I commend the supporters of this amendment because I believe it 
reflects good policy, the will of the American people, and addresses a 
long-standing unmet need. We should not be recklessly spending money on 
an excessive tax cut before we take action to ensure that all seniors 
have the potentially life-saving choice of a prescription drug benefit. 
It is my hope that every Member of the Senate will support this 
critically important amendment.