Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers praised his Senate colleagues today for helping provide Third District seniors with long-overdue prescription drug coverage under Medicare. The bi-partisan plan passed the House Saturday by a vote of 220-215, and the Senate this morning by a vote of 54-44. President Bush has said he will sign the bill.

“Alabama seniors spoke and Congress acted,” Rogers said. “For the first time since Medicare was created, seniors will soon have the option of receiving prescription drugs under Medicare – all while seeing greater support for rural healthcare and a strengthened Medicare for future generations.

“This plan is not perfect, but it does go a long way to providing seniors immediate relief from skyrocketing drug costs. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as President Bush and AARP, for supporting this historic legislation.”