Sununu Statement on Medicare Prescription Drug Legislation

SUNUNU STATEMENT ON MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG LEGISLATION

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator John Sununu (R-NH) opposed Senate passage of the "Prescription Drug and Medicare Improvement Act of 2003" (S. 1), noting that significant improvements to the bill should be made in a House-Senate Conference. He issued the following statement:

"Seniors in New Hampshire and across the country deserve affordable prescription drugs and a modernized Medicare system. But, Congress must not lose this historic opportunity to expand the choices available under this important program.

"Our ultimate goal must be to ensure Medicare is sustainable for future generations. I'm concerned that under this bill millions of retirees that receive coverage for prescription drug benefit through an employer may be dropped from their existing plan. The bill also places unnecessary limits on the competitive approach that could lead to greater quality and new options for everyone under Medicare.

"As this legislation moves to conference, I am committed to working with my colleagues to improve it by adopting principles that promote competition and protect existing benefits."