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Committee on Ways and Means
AARP Urges Daschle to Pass Prescription
Drug Bill WASHINGTON - Yesterday, American Association of Retired People (AARP) Executive Director and CEO William D. Novelli, sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Daschle, (D-SD), telling him that seniors are still waiting for the Democrat-led Senate “to fulfill it’s long overdue promise of affordable prescription drug coverage.” The letter also showed dismay towards the $40 billion givebacks package being considered by the Senate. “AARP is finally holding the Senate’s feet to the fire and urging them to pass a comprehensive prescription drug bill,” said Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA). “The Democrat-led Senate has not acted on many pieces of legislation. They cannot leave America’s seniors waiting for a strengthened Medicare program and prescription drug coverage, too.” Novelli cited some of the numerous problems with the Senate “givebacks” bill, including the failed attempt by Democrats to deliver drug coverage to seniors.
Last June, the House passed H.R. 4954, the Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002, a bill that received compliments from AARP. On June 18, 2002 Novelli wrote to Thomas, “We are pleased that your bill makes the voluntary prescription drug benefit permanent and maintains the entitlement nature of the Medicare program.” The 35 million member-strong organization continued, “We also appreciate your efforts to contain drug costs…” “The House passed a good bill in June. We know it; AARP knows it;
America’s seniors know it,” said Thomas. “Mr. Daschle, AARP has just
delivered you the wants and needs of America’s seniors. Why won’t you
listen?” |