dramatic readings from the Congressional Record

In an homage to the start of the 110th Congress, and the debates that will be taking place over the First 100 Hours, we're starting a feature here at GovDocs@Gelman: Stage Your Own Dramatic Readings from the Congressional Record. The first installment comes from the 30-Something Working Group's meeting January 10th, 2007 (found in the print version on page H324).

Mr. Delahunt, Uncle Bill, we are so happy, sir, that you are a part of the 30-Something Working Group. We are so happy that this is your inaugural night in the 110th Congress, where we are in the majority, your joining us here on this floor.

We talked about your contributions last night. We said that we have a Medicare recipient within our midst. We talked about individuals that are drawing down on one of the pensions that maybe you received in your long career of public service. But we appreciate the fact that you are continuing, and we said we will continue our commitment.

Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Long, long, long years.

Mr. DELAHUNT. Well, again, I am honored to be here. I heard that last evening my name was mentioned here in the House, and I presume that it was mentioned in a way that was kind and generous to a senior citizen, a senior citizen that has the Medicare card to prove that.

Talking about Medicare, we are going to address Medicare in this session of Congress, and we are going to do something about that so-called prescription drug benefit program that was passed over the objections of almost every Democrat and a few courageous Republicans several years ago. Because as you know, Mr. Meek, and you know, Tim Ryan, there was a provision in that particular legislation that prohibited the Medicare Trust Fund from negotiating with the large pharmaceutical companies for a discount.

In other words, whoever is the director of the Medicare Trust Fund can't go into a room and sit down with the drug companies and say, ``Let's discuss a fair price, because we are going to purchase in large quantities prescription drug benefits,'' for people like myself, ``and we are going to effect real savings, like they do in the Veterans Administration.''

I have seen estimates of savings that range from 30 to 80 percent on drugs where discounts could be made available and effected, drugs that save the lives of people and enhance the quality of life for those of us who have reached the golden years.

It is extraordinary in terms of helping people who have worked hard all their lives from not having to make those tough choices between food and heat, or air conditioning in the case of Mr. Meek and the young lady who just became the chair of a very powerful subcommittee here in the House, who is now known as Cardinal Wasserman Schultz.

Mr. MEEK of Florida. She is a rabbi.

Mr. DELAHUNT. I guess. I am just using a term that we often use here. But she is certainly dressed like a cardinal this evening.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Thank you, Mr. Delahunt.

Mr. DELAHUNT. But I have to tell you, I am really proud of the work that your generation has done over the course of the 109th Congress to bring home that message to the American people. You did it effectively. You are helping my generation and you have our profound gratitude. Because it was clear the message that the three of you and other colleagues of ours in the Democratic Caucus spoke to over the course of 2 years resonated with the American people.

I am so proud of each and every one of you. Congratulations. I think we can all share great pride in what has been accomplished since we took our oath of office just a week ago. It is extraordinary. There is a new tone.

You know what is particularly gratifying to me is to see so many of our colleagues, our Republican colleagues, our good friends, our dear friends, join with us in really moving forward an agenda that benefits all Americans.