 |
“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Pelosi: ‘Seniors Cannot Afford Bush Prescription Drug Tax’
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressmen John Dingell, senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Charles Rangel, senior Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rahm Emanuel, and Tim Ryan held a news conference today to unveil a Countdown Calendar to the Bush prescription drug tax, calling for an extension to the May 15 deadline to sign up for the Republican prescription drug plan. Below are Pelosi’s remarks:
“Over the past few months, Democrats have held town meetings and other events across the country regarding the prescription drug bill. They’ve heard from seniors again and again about the confusion and complexity of the Bush prescription drug plan. At every stop, we heard stories about disappointed and confused seniors, who have had to pay the price for a drug benefit that was not written for them, but by and for the pharmaceutical industry.
“Because the pharmaceutical industry had a place at the table in writing the bill and Democratic Members did not, seniors are paying the price.
“The bill is so confusing that seniors need more time to figure it out. On May 15th, when this bill sets in, seniors who have not signed up will pay a penalty – the Bush prescription drug tax – for the rest of their lives. In all of the confusion surrounding this program, one thing is clear – seniors can no longer afford President Bush and the Rubber Stamp Republican Congress.
“Democrats have introduced legislation calling for a six-month extension so we can correct this bill, make prescription drugs more affordable, and make the plan less confusing, so that seniors have enough time to sign up for a clearer, improved plan.
“We are saying to the Republicans and the President of the
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
