Without question our health care system is in a crisis and Americans are rightly demanding solutions. The complaint I hear most often from seniors is how difficult it is to pay for prescription drugs. It is getting harder and harder for Americans, especially seniors, to afford the medicines prescribed by their doctors. In 1999, Tennessee led the nation in the number of prescriptions per patient per year. Something must be done.

I am disappointed that the 107th Congress did not adequately address our nation?s health care problems. Last year, the House passed a bill to provide a voluntary, comprehensive prescription drug benefit for all seniors. Unfortunately, the Senate could not come to agreement on a final bill and this work was left unfinished.

Prescription drug prices are rising dramatically each year and it's time for Congress to offer relief for our seniors. I support a reasonable and workable prescription drug benefit that takes care of seniors in need while protecting the current Medicare system.