Negotiators close on deal for Medicare prescription coverage

[Snellius]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional Republicans moved Wednesday to close a deal on prescription drug bill after offering to scale back their demand for direct competition between traditional Medicare and new private health plans.

The offer drew immediate criticism from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota, who predicted it would "not be well-received" by members of the rank-and-file.

But Sen. John Breaux, D-La., told reporters, "There is a tentative agreement I support....I think it's a middle-of-the-road deal."

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. tendered the offer in a private late night meeting on Tuesday with Breaux and Sen. Max Baucus, the two Democrats who have been permitted to participate in marathon negotiations aimed at reaching a compromise Medicare bill.

Officials said that Frist, with the support of Speaker Dennis Hastert, offered to drop a longstanding GOP demand to have direct competition become a permanent feature of Medicare. Instead, he proposed a three-year temporary program beginning in 2008 that would take effect in one of 11 regions of the country, as well as four major metropolitan areas. After three years, the administration would have the ability to extend the program for another three years.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2003-11-12-medicare-congress_x.htm

[xxqqqzme]

1. well, that is a load

of double speak bull sh*t. Negotiations for prescription drugs people require to either maintain or improve their lives. Well, isn't THAT special?

[papau]

2. There has never been a GOP deal that Breaux didn't support

Why he carries so much respect in Lousiana I do not know - but then David Duke was the GOP nominee not that many years ago.

Max Bacus is the vote to watch - not Breaux

[Wwagsthedog]

3. Breaux is a good name to have with Cajun voters in LA.

In the race for Governor there, Blanco, the Dem, is using her maiden (middle) name of Babineau on all her campaign literature for Saturday's election. Hope she wins.