07-27-2002

HEALTH: Senators Seek Prescription Drug Deal

Key senators began intense negotiations this week in search of a
compromise on prescription drug benefits, after both a Democratic bill and
a bill backed largely by Republicans failed on July 23 to win the
requisite 60 votes in a showdown on the Senate floor. The Democratic
proposal, which would provide drug benefits to senior citizens through
Medicare, failed on a 52-47 vote. The other bill-known as the
"tripartisan" plan because it was supported by Republicans and
by Sens. John Breaux, D-La., and James M. Jeffords, I-Vt.-would rely more
heavily on private insurers and was defeated 48-51. On July 24, a narrower
proposal, sponsored by Sens. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., and John Ensign, R-Nev.,
that would provide a drug benefit only to low-income seniors and those
with high drug costs also failed to muster 60 votes. Although key senators
negotiated behind closed doors all week, no deal seemed at hand.
Nonetheless, Senate Majority Leader Thomas A. Daschle, D-S.D., said on
July 25 that the Senate would continue debating the issue next week.
"Our highest priority is to get this bill done, and we won't do other
things, that are very important, until we get it done," Daschle said.
"We have to get it done, and we're going to continue to work to find
a way to make sure that happens."


April Fulton/CongressDaily

National Journal