October 20, 2003
The Honorable Charles E. Grassley The Honorable William M. Thomas The Honorable W. J. "Billy" Tauzin Dear Chairmen Grassley, Thomas, and Tauzin: We understand from press reports that meetings of a select group of members from the Medicare Prescription Drug Conference have continued and intensified, and that some preliminary decisions may be near. You have allowed no Democratic conferees from the House of Representatives, and only two of the four Democratic conferees from the Senate, to attend these meetings, thus disenfranchising millions of Americans. Our concerns are heightened by press reports that indicate you are contemplating new controversial measures that are not in either bill. We stand ready to work, on a bipartisan basis, toward legislation to create meaningful prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. By this letter, we are again asking that all duly appointed conferees be invited to participate in all negotiations that will affect the health and well-being of the nation's 40 million elderly and disabled citizens who depend on Medicare. Sincerely,
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