I agree with the Democrats. I think the Medicare prescription drug entitlement should be re-voted on because of the extraordinary nature of the cost "miscalculation" (it turns out the bill is expected to cost 1/3 more than originally thought). Of course, everyone knew it was going to wind up costing more than originally thought. While this bill is a particularly bad mess, that's what always happens. But for such an inflated estimate to come out so shortly after the bill was passed is a pretty major fiasco.
It passed by only a few votes -- and now there is evidence it took more than political armtwisting to get the President's prescription drug plan through.
An e-mail -- obtained by CBS News -- appears to show the White House was anxious to hide ballooning cost estimates. Sent on behalf of former Medicare administrator Tom Scully, it warns the agency's chief actuary, Rick Foster to not tell Congress the price tag would be well above the White House's stated 400 billion.
Foster is told "the consequences for insubordination are extremely severe"....
Democrats -- who want another vote on the bill -- are outraged.
I think they should have a re-vote, and it probably won't pass this time. It might be bad for Bush -- since he won't get a favorable opinion from the conservatives because he voted for it initially, and he'll look ineffectual, and there are questions of a cover-up (which I really want to have investigated) -- but it'll be good for America.
Friday, March 19, 2004
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