During a July 30, 2003 speech to commemorate Medicare’s 38th anniversary, President Bush said:
 

Health insurance for elderly and disabled Americans was one of the greatest, most compassionate legislative achievements of the 20th century. It spared millions of seniors from needless worry and hardship. Since 1965, every President and every Congress has had the responsibility to uphold the promise of Medicare, and we will uphold our promise. We will do our duty. The 38th anniversary of Medicare is a time for action. The purpose of the Medicare system is to deliver modern medicine to America's seniors. That's the purpose. And in the 21st century, delivering modern medicine requires coverage for prescription drugs.

However, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll reported in today’s Washington Post:
 

President Bush, in keeping with previous polls, receives some of his lowest job performance ratings in the area of health -- particularly in providing prescription drug coverage for retirees and tackling the cost and availability of insurance. Only 1 in 3 people said they approved of his handling of those areas… (Washington Post, 10/20/03)

Schakowsky said, “President Bush’s health care plans are a prescription for disaster, and the majority of Americans are feeling the effects of his policies.”

According to the Census Bureau, 2.4 million Americans have lost their health care since President Bush took office and the total number of uninsured rose to 43.6 million last year. (Read September 30, 2003 “Bush Administration Misstatement of the Day” on the rising number of the uninsured)

Schakowsky added, “President Bush’s proposals and the bills passed by the House and Senate last summer put the profit goals of the pharmaceutical industry first, and the needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities last.”

  According to a report prepared by US Action and released last week by Schakowsky in Chicago, Republican proposals passed by the House and Senate would result in seniors in Illinois paying MORE for their prescription drugs. (Read October 14, 2003 News Release announcing the release of the Report)