The following is a Statement from U.S. Representative Kevin Brady on President Clinton’s Medicare Proposal on Prescription Drugs:

“I’m pleased the President recognizes the problem. Getting a prescription filled these days is awfully expensive. It’s financially hard on a lot of families, especially for seniors living on a fixed income and grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren.

“I’m very worried that at least three hospitals and more home healthcare providers in my district may close, because of changes in the way Medicare pays its bills. Somehow, we have to convince the President to first fix the critical problems we already face with Medicare because it isn’t responsible to tack on new programs, even a worthy one like prescription drugs.

“Together, Democrats and Republicans should agree that responsible Medicare reform include three principles:

1. First fix the financial bankruptcy Medicare now faces. It’s a huge problem and our first obligation.
2. After solvency, if there is additional money, target the poor and truly needy. Donald Trump doesn’t need our tax dollars to help pay for his medicine.
3. Let’s make drug prices more affordable through competition. The same Washington that buys $900 hammers and $5,000 toilet seats doesn’t give me much confidence it will do a better job making prescription drugs affordable. Washington ought to be asking itself why Americans have to leave the country to buy affordable medicine. Health experts say a lot can be done by looking at unnecessary federal regulations that delay availability and drive up the price here at home.

“I am hopeful the President is genuine when he says this proposal is not simply an election-year gimmick. We need to rise above partisan politics and work together.”