"However, the current

proposals before Congress create a universal entitlement approach to the

problem. Rather than providing access for seniors in need, it creates

a program where the government becomes a pharmacy benefit manager, negotiating

drug prices for all seniors, even for those who are currently satisfied

with their private prescription drug coverage.

"In his annual budget,

President Bush requested $77 billion to provide prescription drugs for

those at 170 percent of poverty. I support this request, as well as the

need for overall Medicare modernization. But the plans which will be considered

for those seniors who cannot afford prescription drugs. Instead, the proposals

create potentially open-ended entitlements which will threaten the prescription

drug coverage for many seniors who are currently satisfied with their

current benefit.

"According to the Congressional

Budget Office, the primary proposal under consideration will result in

about one-third of those seniors who currently have prescription drug

benefits, either through their retirement plans or through a private insurer,

to be dropped from their current plan. Congress should not do anything

that would result in seniors losing this coverage.

"Since the triple threat

of attacks on our nation, a war against terror, and a slumping economy,

we do not have the means to provide and administer a universal prescription

drug entitlement program. We are currently projecting a budget deficit

potentially as high as $150 billion for fiscal year 2002. Although it

is necessary to defend our country and stimulate our economy, the current

situation does not lend itself to a drug program of this scope. It would

be irresponsible, and I cannot support either plan currently being debated

in Congress.

"Let me be very clear

about what this does not mean. It does not mean that I am in favor of

depriving seniors of life-saving medication. What it means is that I believe

there is a better, more efficient way to provide prescription drug access

to the seniors who need them most. It is time for Congress to lay aside

its political pandering, and implement sound policy that gets to the heart

of the matter getting seniors the medicine they need."