Hill Dems launch Medicare reform attack

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Less than a week back into session, Hill Democrats have wasted no time in opening an offensive against the new Medicare drug law.

The effort is an attempt to both please constituents angered by the market-oriented reforms in the legislation and reclaim what has long been a traditional party issue back from the GOP.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota have already introduced legislation that would repeal provisions blocking the federal government from negotiating directly with pharmaceutical firms for lower prices for drugs.

Rep. Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., has introduced a bill allowing for the same action along with other reforms, such as lowering payments to healthcare providers, aimed at reducing costs.

In an address Thursday to the consumer group Families USA, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., railed against the measure by saying it was "designed to destroy" Medicare through privatization.

But these efforts are unlikely to produce many results in the light of the Republican control of both houses of Congress and President Bush's vow in Tuesday's State of the Union address to veto attempts to change the new law.