Democrats set conditions for Medicare drug bill compromise

[Nambe]

By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent

Senate Democrats presented President Bush with a list of conditions for their support of a compromise Medicare prescription drug bill on Tuesday, demanding an ironclad guarantee of a government benefit for the elderly in areas where no private drug plan is available.

The letter, signed by more than two dozen Democrats, also rejected a conservative- backed provision contained in the House-passed bill to inject greater competition into the health care program for seniors.

At the same time, the letter signaled acceptance of one important change in policy - making Medicare coverage dependent on the income of the beneficiary. The House bill included such a provision and the Senate indicated support for the concept without formally agreeing to it.

"We understand that hard choices and compromises will be necessary," the Democrats wrote, but pledged to oppose any bill that fails to address a half-dozen conditions they laid out. ---

Banish bush From Texas Too

[jos]

1. Hoping for a fillibuster

I hope the White House insists on the objectionable provisions. That will force the Senate Dems to fillibuster and kill this lousy bill. That also prevent Shrub from taking credit for a bill that won't go into effect until '06, and that will cost seniors a shitload of money in out-of-pocket costs.

[sfecap]

2. This is why the Democrats will lose in 2004!

We will never beat George bush in 2004 by compromising....no compromise, ever!

Howard Dean in 2004

[Gloria]

3. I hope this think dies ....totally. THe USA Today article that was

posted yesterday on the boards described a windfall for companies and NO GOVERNMENT say in setting the rates charged for drugs!!!

[LauraK]

4. The AARP is with the Dems. the GOP is in a lose - lose spot.

But they are addicted to the candy they get from the drug lobby.