Press Releases

Date: June 13, 2002

Title: Democrats Doom Prescription Drugs for Seniors

Contact Name: Charles W. Jarvis
Contact Phone: (703) 359-6500
Contact Email:

Democrats Doom Prescription Drugs for Seniors

Budget-busting Proposal Will Stifle Legislative Negotiations

“We’re not in an eBay bidding war,” says Senior leader

Washington, DC – United Seniors Association Chairman and Chief Executive Charles W. Jarvis expressed his deep disappointment over the sky-high cost of the Democratic Prescription Drug Plan.

“This Democratic prescription drug plan may doom a prescription drug benefit this year. It is such a budget-buster I really have to wonder if they’re serious about passing prescription drug legislation this year at all,” said Mr. Jarvis. “Frankly, it’s deeply concerning.”

“We’re not in an eBay bidding war. We’re talking about taxes from America’s working families to fund this. This bidding war of the Democratic Leadership isn’t going to help Seniors one bit. Seniors want prescription medicine, not partisan politicking,” concluded Mr. Jarvis.

The new House Democratic plan is expected to cost of $750-$800 Billion – nearly four times the cost of former President Clinton’s 2000 prescription plan. The House Democrat plan is 50% larger than the Senate Democrat plan, which would cost taxpayers $500 billion. The House Republican Leadership plan is already in the budget for $350 billion.

“When one party proposes legislation with a price tag more than two times the cost of a competing bill, it really makes me question if they want a bill passed or want an election year issue,” continued Mr. Jarvis. “This is not a responsible solution. Is this budget-busting proposal actually intended to stifle negotiations? That is unconscionable because millions of Seniors need help now.”

President Bush and the House Republican leadership moved us forward on a prescription drug solution. I only hope the Democrats won’t simply demagogue the issue. That would be tragic.”

United Seniors Association’s 1.5 million-plus citizen activist network supports policies that give Seniors affordable medicines, access to the highest quality and newest medicines, encourage medical innovation, enhance consumer choices, limit bureaucracy, and do not undermine the doctor-patient relationship.

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United Seniors Association (USA) is the 1.5 million-plus nationwide grassroots network Uniting the Generations for America's Future TM. We work to expand retirement and investment freedom, economic freedom, and health freedom for Senior Americans, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Our Honorary Chairman is the renowned celebrity, author, and businessman Art Linkletter. Charles W. Jarvis serves as our Chairman and Chief Executive.


To schedule an interview with Mr. Jarvis, please call (703) 359-6500 or 1-800-887-2872.

United Seniors Association
3900 Jermantown Road, Suite 450
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
www.unitedseniors.org

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