DC Tonight the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass breakthrough legislation that would provide prescription drug coverage under Medicare to seniors and disabled individuals. After hours of debate, H.R. 4680, Medicare R x 2000, passed in the House today by a vote of 217 - 214. Our greatest challenge was to provide a readily available, affordable, and voluntary benefit, regardless of income. The vote today is proof that we have succeeded in meeting that challenge.
Security is the main duty of the U.S. government.
Under the House Bipartisan Prescription Drug Plan, security means that no one loses everything they have because of prescription drug expenses. Contrary to criticism from the White House Administration and Democratic opposition, Medicare R x 2000 addresses the needs of urban and rural Americans. Prescription drugs are not like other health care services. Without question, under our plan a senior that has a mailbox has the ability to receive affordable drugs. The House Plan utilizes a public-private partnership to let 1.1 million seniors in North Carolina, and 38 million nationwide, choose the coverage that best suits their needs from several competing prescription drug plans, or to keep their existing coverage.