Grassley on the President's Medicare Framework

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Reporters and Editors
RE: Bush Medicare Framework
DA: Tuesday, March 4, 2003

Sen. Chuck Grassley issued the following comment about the Medicare framework unveiled
today by President Bush. Grassley is chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

"The White House took some steps in the right direction with the framework announced
today. In the Senate, I'm doing what it takes to build consensus and put together bipartisan Medicare legislation.

"The way I see it, we need a universal drug benefit so seniors who want to stay in traditional
Medicare get a prescription drug plan that's just as good as those who chose a new option. I also
remain committed to creating new options that strengthen and improve Medicare benefits. And I
want to secure equity in Medicare's payment system with this comprehensive bill, so rural states that
practice low-cost, high-quality health care don't get short-changed.

"I'm working for committee action on Medicare by June. The legislation needs to be done
this summer because after Labor Day we'll be caught up in the presidential election."

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