ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED
AMERICANS STATEMENT
OVER SENATE PASSAGE OF MEDICARE BILL
Washington, D.C., November 26, 2003-This is a sad day for America's
seniors. Shame on the House and Senate for not taking the time to
do the work to give seniors a comprehensive prescription drug benefit.
The Alliance for Retired Americans is outraged that both the House and
Senate failed older Americans and passed a bill that will not give
seniors what they need. Millions of seniors across America will soon
realize the shameful way in which they have been passed over by this
Congress.
Shame on Congress for opening the door to privatize Medicare.
Shame on Congress for protecting the profits of the pharmaceutical and
insurance industries over the needs of older Americans.
Shame on Congress for allowing 2.7 million retirees to lose their
existing coverage.
Shame on Congress that they will not allow Medicare to negotiate lower
drug prices.
The Alliance for Retired Americans believes seniors will lose because
Congress failed to do its work. We have said from the beginning that no
bill is better than a bad bill, and we do not agree with those who say
that though the bill is imperfect it's all we can get. This is about
choices, and Congress has chosen profits over people.
We think it's disgraceful that members of Congress have passed a bad
bill so they can go home and claim a hollow political victory. This is a
sad day for America's seniors and anyone who has to now step in and take
care of their parents and grandparents. Congress may think that the
final vote is today, but seniors will have their final vote on November
2, 2004.