"My grandfather taught me in everything bad to always look for something good.  In the wake of September 11th, we saw average everyday Americans become true heroes.  Our firefighters, policemen and women, and rescue workers rose to the occasion, many of them sacrificing their own lives to save another—as they do each and every day—and we will be forever grateful. 

"We saw a coalition of nations come together as we’ve never seen before in history to wage a campaign to rid the world of terrorism.  Our men and women in the military have been standing tall in Afghanistan as we carry out this vast campaign.  We take pride in their courageous service to our country, and we continue to pray for their well-being and that of their families. 

"In the past six months, a renewed sense of patriotism has swept across America unlike I have seen in my lifetime.

"Finally, we have all been reminded of the importance of family, friends and loved ones, and the value of prayer in our busy everyday lives.   A nation praying more and spending more time with family is a healthier nation.

"As time further distances us from the pain of September 11th and our lives continue to return to normal, we must remain dedicated to ensuring that our children and grandchildren can grow up in a stronger and more peaceful world, the way we knew it before September 11th.  We owe it to them, and we owe it to all those who lost their lives on that fateful day."

During the discussion Ross stated, “The Administration estimates that its prescription drug card would save seniors approximately 15 percent off the retail price. In 2000, prescription drug costs increased on average 17.3 percent - the sixth year of double digit cost hikes.” 

In December 2001, Congressman Ross and several other members of Congress requested a General Accounting Office (GAO) study that compared prescription drug prices available to seniors at local pharmacies and on the Internet without a drug discount card to prices available through pharmacy and mail order when seniors use a drug discount card. The GAO data revealed that the Administration’s drug discount card plan would provide only minimal discounts, giving little help to seniors who cannot afford the high cost of prescription drugs. 

“From the perspective of small business, the so-called discount card will cost seniors more money than they currently pay for their prescriptions. This will put an even greater squeeze on our family pharmacies and does nothing to address the high cost of prescription drugs or the huge profits of the big drug companies,” Ross added. 

“Instead of the President promoting this band-aid approach, it’s time for him to propose a substantial Medicare prescription drug benefit plan and support an adequate budget allocation to implement a comprehensive prescription drug benefit,” he concluded. 

Representatives from the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) also voiced their opposition to the Administration’s proposal, emphasizing the irreparable damage the plan would do to consumers.