The United States Congress has adjourned and its members have returned home to campaign for reelection. Or, as cartoonist Ashleigh Brilliant has said, "The time for action is past. Now is the time for senseless bickering!"

But their failure this year to address the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs for older Americans by adding a prescription drug benefit in Medicare is no laughing matter. It's a genuine tragedy, and unless they move quickly next year, the consequences may be felt for years to come.

One major reason Congress failed to pass a Medicare prescription drug benefit in 2002 is pure and simple: election-year politics. Virtually all members of Congress, in both Houses, actually voted in favor of at least one of the competing bills with a Medicare prescription drug benefit. But in the end, neither side was willing to compromise for fear of giving the other side the edge politically in this year's election campaign.

So, where do we go from here? On October 17th, AARP unveiled the most far-reaching voter education campaign in the country. The campaign was designed to help AARP's 35 million members and all Americans evaluate candidates' positions on Social Security and Medicare Prescription drug coverage. Our goal was to make sure that on November 5th people understood the stakes, the issues, the candidates' positions and that they went to the polls and voted. We also wanted candidates to know that they will be held accountable for their actions.

One thing is certain. The problem isn't going away. When most families get together and figure out the budget for each new month, they look at how much money they have, and how much they must spend. And it all is supposed to add up. For too many folks on Medicare, the numbers aren't adding up. Something has to give. For the lucky ones, maybe the only thing they have to sacrifice is the monthly visit to their favorite restaurant for dinner.

For others, the choices aren't so easy. In some cases, older Americans today are faced with the choice of either taking their prescribed dosages of medicine or eating properly. Nobody should have to make that choice. It's a national disgrace!

We are pleased that the White House recently announced new proposed rules that may make it helpful for more Americans to purchase lower cost generic drugs, but that is no substitute for a prescription drug benefit in Medicare.

So let me say it loud and clear: A prescription drug benefit in Medicare will remain AARP's number one national legislative priority in 2003—and we'll work hard for our members until it's accomplished.