Jan 12, 2007- Congresswoman Kaptur Supports Medicare Reform Bill as "A Start"

"It took a Democratic-controlled House to pass this much-neededlegislation," Congresswoman Kaptur said. "In a previous Congress, I had triedto bring forward an amendment on negotiated prices, but was refused a vote bythe Republican leadership. The real winners today are not only the Americantaxpayers but also the estimated 42 million Americans who are eligible forprescription drug coverage through Medicare.

"I think Congress should go even farther to improve the prescription drugprogram, but at least this legislation is a step in the right direction. TheAmerican people deserve better, despite the attempts by the big drug companieswho are more interested in their own profits than the health of the Americanpeople. That's why the drug companies plowed some $14 million into the 2006congressional elections.

"Medicare is a covenant between the government and the citizens of the United States.I have always supported Medicare and Social Security as lifelines toindependent living for our senior citizens, to whom we owe so much. We mustkeep working for fair, affordable and easy-to-use prescription drug coveragefor seniors under the Medicare program.

"Today's legislation is a start."