Senate Passes Assault On Medicare

Senate Passes Assault On Medicare

Hoffa Condemns 11 Democrats for Supporting Move Toward Privatization of Healthcare

November 25, 2003

(Washington, DC) – Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa today denounced passage by the U.S. Senate of HR 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003.

“The United States Senate has committed legislative malpractice by passing a bill that ostensibly provides senior citizens with a prescription drug benefit, but in reality will yield little more than a political victory for President Bush,” said Hoffa.

The Teamsters were particularly dismayed by the 11 Democrats who joined 49 Republicans in providing key support to defeat a procedural motion that would have stopped the profoundly flawed legislation. By helping to advance this bill, these Democrats flouted their party’s ideals and turned their backs on its proud history.

“Our nation finds itself facing an unprecedented healthcare crisis, with working families bearing the dual burdens of skyrocketing medical costs and shrinking coverage,” Hoffa added. “Congress had a rare opportunity to establish a prescription drug benefit that is affordable, voluntary, and available to all seniors. Instead, they passed a hodge-podge of corporate giveaways and false promises that will cause more than 2 million retirees to lose their existing employer provided prescription benefits. “

Founded in August 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is celebrating 100 years as an advocate and representative for working families.