LARSON BLASTS REPUBLICAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2000

"As a Member of Congress, I believe very strongly in the democratic ideals upon which our system of government was based. What the Republicans have done today, by not allowing the Democratic alternative to be debated, goes against that very system of government. As bad as the Republican plan is, what is worse is the fact that their arrogance has shut down any possibility of discussion and debate on this vitally important issue. The message they are sending to the American people is that Congress should be run without concern for the democratic process.

Clearly, the Republicans are more concerned about protecting the excessive profits of the pharmaceutical companies than providing care for the people we are supposed to represent.

Many of my constituents have called and written to share their frustration over the high cost of prescription drugs. Therefore, last year I requested two Congressional studies of the rising cost of prescription drugs in the First Congressional District. What I found was that seniors are carrying the burden of the costs, and the drug companies favorite customers, large companies and HMOs, are benefiting from lower prices.

Based on what they have presented today, the Republicans' answer to what is happening in the First Congressional District and all across the country is: seniors need to purchase additional insurance. That is not an option for people who are already worried about how to pay for other necessities such as food, rent, and heat for their homes."

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