WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- Democrats Tuesday vowed to make changes to the Medicare prescription drug bill that passed the Senate by a 54-44 vote.
Florida Sens. Bob Graham and Bill Nelson said they would introduce legislation to give Medicare the ability to negotiate discounts with pharmaceutical companies.
Republicans left that out of the final legislation that now goes to President Bush for his signature. Democrats complained it amounted to a $169 billion windfall in profits for drugmakers.
The bill provides a limited drug benefit, beginning in 2006, aimed mainly at very low income seniors and those who have high annual drug costs.
Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said Tuesday's vote was not the last one on Medicare prescription drugs.
"This is the beginning of the end, it is not the end. We will see many many more votes," Daschle said.
He said seniors soon will "begin to fully appreciate the magnitude of problems this bill creates for them" and "will not rest until we address them."
