LARSON STATEMENT ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG VOTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2002

LARSON STATEMENT ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG VOTE

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) made the following statement after the early morning passage of the Republican version of prescription drug legislation. The Republican majority did not allow the Democratic version of prescription drug legislation to come to the floor for a vote.

Larson stated: ?The Democratic plan was simple and straightforward; it placed a prescription drug benefit under Medicare - a system seniors are familiar with and understand - where it should have been included when the legislation was passed in 1965. The Republican plan seeks to privatize prescription drug coverage through insurance companies and HMOs. Connecticut citizens have already witnessed the pullout of coverage by companies when they can't make a profit. By contrast, the Democratic plan is about guaranteeing coverage - not guaranteeing profits for the insurance industry. The Republican plan is, at worst, a cruel hoax on the elderly and at best, an unworkable actuarial and underwriting nightmare.

?Further, the Republican leadership blocking the Democratic alternative legislation from coming to the floor is the worst kind of abuse at the hands of the majority. Denying even the opportunity to present alternative legislation is a corruption of the democratic process,? said Larson.

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