Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) Regarding Lowering Drug Costs for Millions of Seniors and People with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Kendrick B. Meek released the following statement supporting legislation requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate with drug companies and lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries.

The House passed the bill, H.R. 4, by a vote of 255-170.

“The Bush Administration and the Republican leadership excluded Democrats when they drafted their Medicare prescription drug plan.  To pass it, they stretched a vote that normally is supposed to take 15 minutes into over three hours, while they twisted the arms of their own members to force them to vote for it.

“These warnings were ignored by Republicans, resulting in a predictable outcome called the Medicare Part D donut hole.  For seniors and the disabled paying between $2250 and $5100 for prescription drugs, Medicare does not cover their expenses.

“This bill would provide Medicare with broad discretion on how to best implement the negotiating authority and achieve price discounts for Medicare beneficiaries. Savings for prescription drugs should be passed onto consumers with fixed incomes.  The Medicare Part D drug plan was written without consideration to the pocketbook concerns of seniors.

“Republicans created the donut hole; Democrats will now close it.

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