[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 26 (Monday, June 30, 2003)]
[Pages 829-830]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Senate Passage of Medicare Reform Legislation

June 27, 2003

    I commend the Senate for passing legislation to strengthen and 
improve Medicare for America's seniors.
    This legislation is largely consistent with my framework for reform 
that allows seniors to choose the health care that best meets their 
individual needs, including the option of staying in their traditional 
plan.
    Seniors will have more choices and better benefits, including long-
awaited prescription

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drug coverage, under a modernized Medicare that provides seniors access 
to the newest and most effective medicines and treatment. I will 
continue working closely with the Congress to improve this legislation 
as we move forward.

Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
version of this statement.