FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 16, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: Democrats’ New Direction for America Will Lower Prices for Prescription Drugs

Washington, D.C.– House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the high cost of prescription drugs under President Bush’s prescription drug program:

“America’s seniors and people with disabilities want and deserve a simple, affordable, and reliable Medicare Prescription Drug benefit.  Unfortunately, that’s not what they got with the Bush drug program.

“The Bush drug program actually blocks Medicare from negotiating for lower prices – even though it is what we successfully do for our veterans at the Veterans Administration.  This means that Medicare beneficiaries are paying too much for their prescription drugs, and big pharmaceutical companies are reaping the benefits.

“As Americans face sky-high prescription drug prices, and many seniors are falling into the donut hole where they have no drug coverage at all while they continue to pay premiums, it is wrong for Republicans to suggest that the prescription drug benefit cannot be improved.

“Democrats have a New Direction for America, and stand united to provide commonsense improvements to the flawed Bush prescription drug program.  We will begin by making prescription drugs more affordable for our seniors by allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prices.”

“ 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