Conyers Renews Request to Republicans to Prevent an Unfair Prescription Drug Tax on Seniors for the Rest of Their Lives

Washington, DC - Congressman John Conyers, Jr. expressed his frustration with Republican refusals to extend the deadline to allow for more seniors to enroll in Medicare's prescription drug benefit program:

"It's time House Republicans stop rubberstamping every idea that comes out of the White House and stand up for America's seniors. House Republicans only have a few hours left to join Democrats in extending the period seniors have to sign up for a prescription drug plan under Medicare Part D. If seniors do not sign up by the May 15 deadline, they will face a penalty that will force them to pay higher prices on drugs for the rest of their lives.

As we have all heard countless times, the rollout of the Medicare prescription drug program has been a disaster. The confusion arising from this drug benefit, which was written by and for HMOs and big drug companies, has delayed the enrollment of tens of thousands, perhaps even millions, of eligible seniors. Even though the administration has come nowhere near its original projection of 37 million seniors enrolled by May 15, it still plans to penalize seniors who don't enroll by the deadline with a prescription drug tax.

The president says he doesn't have the authority to change the deadline. I find this claim bizarre, considering that this president thinks he has the authority to do anything he wants. But, that issue aside, it has been made clear that the responsibility lies with Congress to give our seniors a break. Time is quickly running out for Republicans to join us in rejecting this unfair prescription drug tax."

###5-15-2006###