However, the report also noted that an increase in health spending estimates has made the long-term outlook for Medicare substantially worse. Although many Republicans view the projected increase in costs as a signal that major Medicare reforms are needed, Senator Edward Kennedy, ranking Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said the additional four years to Medicare's life expectancy mean Congress should concentrate on adding a drug benefit to the program without trying to impose a major overhaul on the system. The McCain-Feingold bill seeks to overhaul the nation's campaign finance laws by banning unregulated soft money donations to political parties from unions, corporations and wealthy individuals. It also attempts to end issue ads that attack a candidate's record and character. The limits have not been raised since they were established in 1974.
Debate continues through next week.
Budget and Taxes President Bush's federal budget blueprint passed through the House Budget Committee Wednesday on a straight party-line vote. Floor action in the House is expected nest week. A second tax relief bill unveiled by House Republicans passed through the House Ways and Means Committee Thursday, also on a straight party-line vote. The measure should reach the House floor for a final vote next week. Medical Errors ACEP will be meeting with staff from the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee on developing medical errors legislation.