"As we return to our Nation’s Capitol on Tuesday, June 4th, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before we adjourn for the year this fall.  We are already five months into this year, and we have yet to consider legislation to provide prescription drug coverage for our seniors.  It’s time for Congress to unite in a bipartisan way, as Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) and I have, to pass a voluntary but guaranteed Medicare prescription drug benefit that holds the big drug manufacturers accountable and makes medicine affordable for all seniors, as our bill (HR 3626) does. 

"We must also work to get our government’s fiscal house back in order, so our nation does not fall back into the days of federal budget deficits year after year.  This week the last piece of rubble from ground zero was removed.  It was an emotional moment for New Yorkers and for all Americans.  But we have to remember that while our nation may have cleaned up the physical ruin of September 11th, we still have much to do in order to overcome the financial damage. 

"A year ago, our nation could not foresee September 11th and its effects - coupled with the economic downturn - that have caused the federal budget surplus to evaporate, leaving us with a budget deficit for the first time since 1997.  It is important that we in Congress roll up our sleeves now and come up with a common sense, bipartisan plan on how to get the budget back into balance.  The longer we wait, the more we jeopardize the future of Social Security and the future of our children and grandchildren."