Statement By James L. Martin, President, 60 Plus Association

Washington, D.C. – Among the many promises President George W. Bush made when he successfully ran for the Presidency in 2000, one was a prescription drug benefit plan for seniors.

He promised that he would work hard to provide a prescription drug benefit which would help senior citizens meet the escalating costs of medications. The President is delivering on that promise now, and senior citizens will greatly benefit from his efforts.

The President’s hope is to have a bill on his desk in a matter of weeks. It is heartening to see the bi-partisan cooperation of many on the Hill to get this landmark legislation passed. Under the guidance of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R-IA) with ranking Senate Democrat Max Baucus (D-MT), what was thought unimaginable is now very likely. Seniors also thank HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Administration to reach consensus for a drug benefit bill, a bipartisan approach Thompson was noted for while Governor of Wisconsin.

The President has stated that, ‘perhaps no issue is more important to seniors than health care’ and that, ‘Medicare is the binding commitment of a caring society.’ The President also emphasized that, ‘the American system of medicine is a model of skill and innovation with a pace of discovery that is adding years to our lives’.

Senior citizens owe President Bush a debt of gratitude. No senior should have to make a choice between putting food on the table or being able to afford the prescription drugs they need.

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