The Democrats Tried on Medicare

THE DEMOCRATS TRIED ON MEDICARE -- (House of Representatives - May 10, 2006)

(Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, you can't say the Democrats haven't tried their hardest. When it comes to the Medicare prescription drug benefit, they have complained, criticized and have held town hall meetings to encourage seniors not to sign up. Luckily for America's seniors, they have decided to listen to the facts instead of the negative spin.

Recently the Department of Health and Human Services reported that more than 30 million Medicare beneficiaries are now getting coverage and saving money on their prescription drugs. This surpasses their expectations of 28 to 30 million enrollees in the first year. I suppose adding to the Democrats' frustration are recent polls showing broad support for the new benefit, as well as amazing success stories of seniors who are now reaping big savings in their prescription drug costs.

For example, a recent AARP poll revealed that nearly 8 in 10, that is nearly 78 percent of those enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan, say the new benefit is either meeting or exceeding their expectations.

Mr. Speaker, perhaps if the Democrats put as much effort into encouraging, rather than discouraging seniors, we would have enrolled 30 million much sooner.

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